Your Expert Guide to Starting Solids: Evidence-Based Tips and First Foods for Your Baby

Starting solids is a significant milestone for your baby and for you as a parent. If you've found yourself searching for answers like "Which food comes first?" or "How much should my 6-month-old eat?", you're not alone. The internet is full of conflicting advice that can make this transition feel overwhelming.

This post will help you understand when your baby is ready to start solids, what foods to offer first, and how to build a feeding schedule that fits your family’s needs.

When Your Baby Is Ready to Start Solids

Babies show they are ready for solid foods by meeting certain developmental milestones, not just by turning six months old. Look for these signs:

• Sitting up with support and good head control

This helps your baby swallow safely and reduces choking risk.

• Showing interest in food

Your baby might watch you eat, reach for your food, or open their mouth when offered a spoon.

• Losing the tongue-thrust reflex

This reflex pushes food out of the mouth. Its disappearance means your baby can move food to the back of the mouth and swallow.

Waiting for these signs ensures your baby is physically ready to handle solids, which supports a positive feeding experience.

Choosing First Foods: Iron and Allergens Matter Most

Foods Packed with Iron

Babies' iron levels from birth begin to drop around six months. You can introduce iron-fortified cereals or try pureed beans, lentils, and chickpeas.

How to Introduce Allergens

For most babies (no eczema or food allergies):

* Mix a tiny bit of smooth peanut butter into baby cereal

* Try one new allergen every few days

For babies with severe eczema or existing food allergies:

* Talk to your doctor about allergy testing first - these babies need peanut foods between 4-6 months but with medical guidance

The key detail everyone misses: You need to keep serving these foods regularly - successful studies had babies eating peanut foods at least three times weekly.

It's not a one-and-done introduction.

Steer clear of adding salt, sugar, and honey during the first year.

Building a Feeding Schedule That Works

Babies vary in how much and how often they want to eat solids. Instead of strict schedules, watch your baby’s hunger and fullness cues.

• Start with one meal a day

Offer a small amount, like 1-2 teaspoons, and gradually increase as your baby shows interest.

• Add meals slowly

Move to two meals a day after a couple of weeks, then three meals by around 8-9 months.

• Include breast milk or formula

Solids complement milk feeding at this stage. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding on demand.

Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Feeding

• Always supervise feeding

Never leave your baby alone while eating.

• Be patient and positive

Some babies take time to accept new tastes and textures. Offer foods multiple times without pressure.

• Watch for allergies

Introduce common allergens like peanut or egg one at a time, following your pediatrician’s advice.

• Keep mealtimes relaxed

Make feeding a fun and interactive experience to encourage your baby’s interest in food.

Starting solids is a journey that involves learning and adapting. Focus on your baby’s readiness, offer a variety of nutritious foods, and build a flexible feeding schedule that suits your family. Remember, there is no perfect order or strict timeline. Your baby’s cues and enjoyment are the best guides.