Starting Solids Guide & Checklist

Introducing solid foods is an exciting milestone in your baby's first year! It marks the beginning of a transition from an all-milk diet to exploring new tastes and textures. Most health organizations recommend starting solids around 6 months of age, when babies typically show signs of readiness.

Signs Your Baby Might Be Ready:

Can sit up well with minimal support.
Has good head and neck control.
Shows interest in food (watches you eat, reaches for food).
Opens mouth when food approaches.
Can move food from the front to the back of the mouth to swallow (doesn't automatically push food out with tongue - diminished tongue-thrust reflex).
Has roughly doubled birth weight (guideline, not a strict rule).

Getting Started: First Foods

Start with single-ingredient foods to easily identify potential allergies or sensitivities. Introduce new foods one at a time, waiting 2-3 days before introducing another.

Iron-fortified infant cereals (oatmeal, barley - mix with breast milk or formula).
Single-ingredient pureed vegetables (sweet potato, butternut squash, carrots, peas, green beans).
Single-ingredient pureed fruits (avocado, banana, pears, applesauce, peaches).
Pureed meats (chicken, beef, turkey - good source of iron).
Pureed legumes (beans, lentils).

Texture:** Start with smooth purees and gradually introduce thicker textures, mashed foods, and eventually soft finger foods as your baby develops chewing skills.

Feeding Tips & Safety

Start with small amounts (1-2 teaspoons) once a day.

Feed when baby is happy and slightly hungry, but not starving.

Use a small, soft-tipped baby spoon.

Let baby explore! It will be messy.

Never force feed. Follow baby's cues for hunger and fullness.

Continue breast milk or formula as the primary source of nutrition until age 1.

Introduce common allergens (like peanut, egg, dairy, wheat, soy, fish) one at a time according to pediatrician's guidance (early introduction is now often recommended).

Avoid honey before age 1 due to botulism risk.

Avoid whole cow's milk as a drink before age 1 (okay in cooking/yogurt).

Avoid added salt and sugar.

Avoid choking hazards (whole grapes, nuts, hard candies, large chunks of meat/cheese, popcorn).

Always supervise baby during meals.

Introducing solids is a gradual process. Be patient, have fun exploring new foods with your baby, and consult your pediatrician with any questions or concerns.