Starting Solids: A Gentle Beginning for Your Baby
Starting solids is an exciting milestone in your baby’s life — and in yours, too! It’s a time filled with curiosity, messy smiles, and new experiences. But like many new stages of parenting, it can also feel overwhelming. When should you start? What should you offer first? How do you make sure it’s a positive experience?
Let’s walk through it together.
When to Start Solids
Most babies are ready to begin solid foods around 6 months of age. Signs of readiness include:
Sitting up with minimal support
Good head and neck control
Showing interest in your food (reaching, opening their mouth when you eat)
Ability to move food to the back of the mouth and swallow (rather than pushing it out with the tongue)
It’s important to remember that all babies develop at their own pace. Some may be eager eaters at 5.5 months; others might not show much interest until closer to 7 months. That’s okay!
How to Start
You can begin by offering a small amount of a single-ingredient food once a day. It’s nice to do it when your whole family is doing a meal together. Traditionally, many parents start with iron-rich foods like:
Pureed meats
Lentils or beans
You can also offer vegetables, fruits, or other soft foods. Some families choose purees, others choose baby-led weaning (offering soft finger foods from the start), and many do a combination. There’s no one “right” way — it’s about what feels best for you and your baby.
First Foods to Try
Some great first foods include:
Mashed avocado
Cooked sweet potato
Banana
Soft-cooked carrots or peas
Full-fat plain yogurt (after 6 months)
Start simple, offering one new food every few days to watch for any allergic reactions.
Tips for a Smooth Start
Keep it fun and low pressure: In the beginning, it’s more about exploring tastes and textures than eating a full meal.
Let baby lead: Follow their cues — if they turn their head away or close their mouth, they’re letting you know they’ve had enough.
Eat together: Babies learn by watching! Sharing meals helps them see eating as a social, enjoyable experience.
Expect a mess: Embrace the messiness! It’s part of learning.
A Word About Allergens
It’s now recommended to introduce allergenic foods (like peanut butter, eggs, and dairy) early — around 6 months — and to continue offering them regularly. This can actually help prevent food allergies. Talk to your pediatrician if you have a family history of allergies or any concerns.
Trust the Process
Starting solids is a big step, but it’s also a slow and steady process. In the early months, breast milk or formula will still be your baby’s main source of nutrition. Solids are an addition — not a replacement — as your baby learns to chew, swallow, and enjoy new flavors.
Be patient, trust your baby’s cues, and celebrate this exciting new chapter. You’re doing an amazing job!