Key Takeaways
- Most babies are ready for solids around 6 months — look for readiness signs, not just age
- Breast milk or formula remains the primary nutrition source until 12 months
- Introduce common allergens early (around 6 months) — delaying increases allergy risk
- Gagging is normal and different from choking — learn the difference before starting
Starting solid foods is one of the most exciting (and messy) milestones. Here's everything you need to know to do it safely and confidently.
Signs Your Baby Is Ready
The AAP recommends starting solids around 6 months. Look for ALL of these signs:
See also: Baby-Led Weaning: How to Start, Best First Foods & Safety Tips and When to Start Sleep Training: Methods, Timing & What to Expect.
- Sits upright with minimal support — good head and neck control
- Shows interest in food — watches you eat, reaches for food
- Lost the tongue-thrust reflex — doesn't automatically push food out with tongue
- Can bring objects to mouth — hand-to-mouth coordination
Not a readiness sign
Waking at night, watching you eat, or being a certain weight are NOT reliable readiness signs. Wait for the physical signs above.
Best First Foods to Try
There's no required order. Good first foods include:
- Iron-rich foods — iron-fortified cereal, pureed meat, lentils (baby's iron stores deplete around 6 months)
- Vegetables — sweet potato, avocado, peas, carrots, squash
- Fruits — banana, pear, apple, mango
- Grains — oatmeal, rice cereal
Start with iron
The AAP recommends iron-rich foods as one of baby's first foods. Iron-fortified cereal or pureed meat are excellent choices.
Foods to Avoid Before 12 Months
- Honey — risk of botulism
- Cow's milk as a drink — can replace breast milk/formula and lacks iron (small amounts in cooking are fine)
- Choking hazards — whole grapes, hot dogs, popcorn, nuts, raw carrots, chunks of meat
- Added salt and sugar — baby's kidneys can't handle excess sodium
- Unpasteurized foods — soft cheeses, raw sprouts
BLW vs Purees
| Aspect | Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) | Traditional Purees |
|---|---|---|
| What | Soft finger foods from the start | Spoon-fed smooth purees, gradually thicker |
| Pros | Develops self-feeding, less prep, family meals | Easier to track intake, less mess, familiar |
| Cons | More mess, harder to track intake, more gagging initially | More prep, baby may resist textures later |
| Safety | Cut food into safe shapes, always supervise | Progress textures gradually |
Many parents do a combination of both — and that works great too.
Introducing Allergens
Current AAP guidelines recommend introducing common allergens early and often, starting around 6 months:
- Peanuts — thin peanut butter mixed into puree (never whole peanuts)
- Eggs — well-cooked scrambled egg
- Dairy — yogurt, cheese (not milk as a drink)
- Tree nuts — nut butters thinned with breast milk
- Fish — well-cooked, flaked
- Wheat — toast strips, pasta
One at a time
Introduce one new allergen every 2–3 days. Give it in the morning so you can watch for reactions during the day. Signs of allergy: hives, swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing.
Meal Schedule by Age
| Age | Meals | Milk Feeds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 1 per day | 5–6 | Food is for practice, not nutrition |
| 7–8 months | 2 per day | 4–5 | Increasing variety and texture |
| 9–11 months | 3 per day + snacks | 3–4 | More self-feeding, family foods |
| 12 months | 3 meals + 2 snacks | 2–3 | Milk becomes supplementary |
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