When to Start Baby on Solids: Signs, Timing & First Foods to Try
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Introducing solids is one of the most exciting milestones in your baby's first year. But knowing exactly when to make the leap from milk to meals can leave many parents feeling overwhelmed. Is your baby ready? What should you offer first? And how can you make the process smooth and safe?
In this guide, we’ll answer all those questions with science-backed insights, gentle advice, and practical tips to help you feel confident when starting solids. 🥦🍌
🕒 When Do Babies Start Solids?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most babies are ready to start solids around 6 months old. Some may be ready a bit earlier—closer to 5 months—but it’s important not to rush.
Before 6 months, a baby's digestive system isn't fully mature, and breast milk or formula provides all the nutrition they need. Introducing solids too early may increase the risk of choking or allergies and reduce milk intake before it's time.
👀 Signs Your Baby Is Ready for Solids
Instead of relying solely on age, look for these key developmental signs that your baby is truly ready:
✅ Sits up with little or no support
✅ Has good head and neck control
✅ Shows interest in what you're eating (tries to grab your food or watches you eat)
✅ No longer has the tongue-thrust reflex (pushing food out of their mouth)
✅ Can close their mouth around a spoon
If your baby shows all of these signs, it’s probably time to start exploring solids!
🥄 What Should You Start With?
When you're ready to introduce solids, start with single-ingredient, iron-rich foods that are easy to digest.
Great first food options include:
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Iron-fortified baby cereal (like oatmeal or rice cereal)
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Mashed avocado
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Pureed sweet potatoes
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Banana or pear puree
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Steamed and blended carrots or peas
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Finely shredded meat or pureed chicken
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Lentils or beans (well-cooked and mashed)
🍼 Continue to offer breast milk or formula as the main source of nutrition. Solids are just a supplement at this stage.
🧂 Do I Need to Add Seasoning?
No need for salt or sugar! Babies are born with very sensitive taste buds. Simple, natural flavors are best. Stick to whole foods and let your little one explore the pure taste of each ingredient.
You can introduce mild herbs and spices (like cinnamon, thyme, or basil) once your baby is a bit more comfortable with solids—usually after 7 months.
💡 How to Introduce Solids Safely
Starting solids is about exploration, not perfection. Here's how to ease into it:
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Offer solids once per day at first, preferably when your baby is happy and alert (not overtired or too hungry)
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Begin with just 1–2 teaspoons of food
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Use a soft-tipped baby spoon or offer purees on your clean fingertip
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Wait 2–3 days before introducing a new food (to monitor for allergies)
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Always supervise your baby while eating
Avoid choking hazards like whole grapes, raw carrots, nuts, popcorn, or sticky foods like peanut butter on a spoon.
🍳 Baby-Led Weaning vs. Purees: Which One?
You may have heard of baby-led weaning (BLW)—a method where babies feed themselves soft, finger-sized pieces of food from the beginning. It can help develop motor skills and encourage independence.
Both BLW and spoon-feeding purees are valid approaches. Some parents combine both for flexibility. The key is safety, responsiveness, and balance. Choose what works best for your family and your baby’s developmental stage.
📝 What About Food Allergies?
Current guidelines suggest introducing common allergens early, around 6 months, especially if your baby is at risk of allergies (family history, eczema, etc.).
These include:
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Peanut butter (thin and mixed into puree)
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Eggs (well-cooked)
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Dairy (like plain yogurt or cheese)
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Fish and shellfish
Introduce one allergen at a time and wait 3–5 days before trying a new one. Always monitor for signs of an allergic reaction: hives, vomiting, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⏰ How Often Should Baby Eat?
At first, solids are once a day. Gradually increase to:
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6–7 months: 1–2 meals per day
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8–9 months: 2–3 meals per day
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By 12 months: 3 meals + 2 snacks per day
Follow your baby’s cues. Some days they'll eat more, other days less. That’s perfectly normal.
🎉 Final Thoughts: Trust the Process
Starting solids is a messy, joyful, and rewarding journey. It’s not just about nutrients—it's also about helping your baby learn, explore, and develop a healthy relationship with food.
Be patient, stay flexible, and celebrate every bite (even the ones that land on the floor 🫣).
And don’t forget: every baby is different. Some take to solids with excitement, others may need a little more time and encouragement.
