Starting solids is a major milestone in your baby’s first year. It’s exciting to watch your little one try new tastes and textures, but it also comes with lots of questions: When should I start? What foods should I introduce first? How do I make sure it’s safe?
This blog post will walk you through the basics of when and how to introduce solid foods safely, help you recognize signs of readiness, and offer practical tips for making the transition smooth and enjoyable—for both you and your baby.
🕐 When to Start Solids
Most babies are ready to start solids around 6 months of age, though some may show signs of readiness a little earlier. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding for the first 6 months, followed by the introduction of solid foods alongside continued milk feeding.
Signs your baby may be ready:
- Can sit up with minimal support
- Shows good head and neck control
- Opens their mouth when food is offered
- Has lost the tongue-thrust reflex (pushing food out)
- Shows interest in what you’re eating
If you’re unsure whether your baby is ready, talk with your pediatrician before introducing solids.
🥣 How to Introduce Solids Safely
1. Start Slow and Simple
Begin with single-ingredient purees or soft foods to help identify any allergies. Good first foods include:
- Iron-fortified infant cereals (like oatmeal or rice)
- Mashed sweet potatoes, bananas, avocados, or carrots
- Soft-cooked, mashed peas or squash
- Pureed meats (especially if baby is breastfed, as iron is important)
Wait 3 to 5 days between introducing new foods to monitor for allergic reactions.
2. Texture Progression
Start with smooth purees, then gradually move to thicker textures, mashed foods, and eventually soft finger foods as baby develops chewing skills.
3. Avoid Choking Hazards
Steer clear of:
- Whole grapes
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Raw carrots or apple slices
- Chunks of meat or cheese
Always supervise your baby during meals and ensure they are seated upright in a high chair.
4. No Honey or Cow’s Milk (Yet)
- Avoid honey until after 1 year due to the risk of infant botulism.
- Cow’s milk is fine in small amounts in food but should not replace breast milk or formula until after 12 months.
🍽 Baby-Led Weaning vs. Spoon-Feeding
Both methods are safe and effective when done mindfully.
- Spoon-feeding involves giving your baby purees with a spoon.
- Baby-led weaning allows babies to self-feed soft, age-appropriate foods from the beginning.
Choose the approach that feels right for your baby—or mix both! Just be sure the foods are soft enough to mash with gums and are cut into small, manageable pieces.
💧What About Water?
You can start offering small sips of water in a cup at around 6 months, especially with meals. Limit it to 2–4 ounces per day, as breast milk or formula should still be the main source of hydration.
✅ Building Healthy Eating Habits
- Offer a variety of flavors and textures to reduce pickiness later.
- Let your baby explore and make a mess—it’s part of learning!
- Don’t force-feed; follow your baby’s hunger and fullness cues.
- Make mealtime a positive, pressure-free experience.
💭 Final Thoughts
Introducing solids is a fun and rewarding phase, but it’s also filled with trial and error. Every baby is different—some take to solids eagerly, while others need more time and patience. Keep offering healthy options, watch for readiness cues, and enjoy watching your baby explore the world of food one bite at a time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I start solids before 6 months?
Some babies may show readiness around 4–5 months, but it’s best to wait until closer to 6 months, unless advised by your pediatrician. Baby’s digestive system and motor skills are better developed by then.
2. What food should I introduce first?
Start with single-ingredient, iron-rich foods like infant cereal, pureed meats, or mashed vegetables like sweet potato or avocado.
3. How do I know if my baby is allergic to a food?
Watch for signs like rash, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Introduce new foods one at a time, waiting 3–5 days before offering another.
4. How often should I feed solids in the beginning?
Start with once a day, then gradually increase to 2–3 meals per day by 8–9 months. Always follow your baby’s cues.
5. Can I add seasoning or salt to baby food?
Avoid adding salt, sugar, or strong spices. Babies have sensitive kidneys, and their taste buds are still developing. Let them enjoy natural flavors.
6. What if my baby refuses solids?
It’s normal! Keep trying in a relaxed, pressure-free way. Sometimes it takes multiple exposures before a baby accepts a new food.
7. Is baby-led weaning safe?
Yes, when done properly. Offer soft, manageable pieces and always supervise meals. Avoid high-risk choking foods and wait until baby can sit upright unassisted.
8. When can my baby eat what we eat?
By around 9–12 months, many babies can eat soft versions of family meals. Just avoid added salt, sugar, and choking hazards.
