What could be the reason that my 81/2-month-old doesn't have teeth yet?

My baby is 81/2-months-old and still has no teeth. Most of the other babies her age at day care have between two and four teeth by now. She drinks about 20 to 25 ounces of formula, eats cereal for breakfast and about four ounces of "stage 1" baby foods every day. What could be the reason that my daughter doesn't have teeth yet? Is her diet sufficient?

The age a baby gets those first teeth depends mostly on her family's tendencies, not on her diet. Even though you see many babies with teeth, it's normal to have no teeth at your daughter's age. If you ask your baby's grandmothers or check any baby books you have in your families, you'll probably discover a "late teether" somewhere along the line. As far as how you're feeding your baby, it sounds like you're doing a great job! But the best way to make sure is to ask your baby's health care provider about her growth and development. She's at the age where she's probably ready for finger foods and foods with a little soft texture. She's probably also ready to start drinking from a cup.