The purpose of the present study was to identify variables (maternal knowledge and problem-solving ability) associated with the early introduction of complementary foods (i.e. foods other than breastmilk or formula) into infants diets. Ninety-eight primarily African-American mothers who presented to an urban, ambulatory care clinic in the Midwest completed questionnaires. Maternal knowledge regarding doctors recommendations for complementary feeding was associated with when mothers introduced solids ( r = 0.25, p less than 0.05), cow?s milk (r = 0.35, p less than 0.05), juice (r = 0.42, p less than 0.001) and water (r = 0.38, p less than 0.001). Maternal nutrient knowledge was associated with when cow?s milk (r = 0.37, p less than 0.05) and fruit drink/soda (r = 0.52, p less than 0.01) were introduced. The quality of maternal problem-solving was associated with when mothers introduced fruit drink/soda (r = 0.34, p less than 0.05). Results underscore the role that healthcare professionals play in complementary feeding. (Contains 3 tables.)