When Is My Baby Ready for Solid Foods?
Most health organisations, including the World Health Organization, recommend introducing solid foods around 6 months of age, while continuing to breastfeed or formula feed. However, readiness is about developmental signs, not just age.
Signs Your Baby Is Ready
- Can sit up with minimal support and hold their head steady
- Has lost the tongue-thrust reflex (doesn't automatically push food out of their mouth)
- Shows interest in food — watches you eat, reaches toward food, opens mouth when food approaches
- Has doubled their birth weight (roughly)
If you're unsure, check in with your paediatrician before starting solids.
First Foods to Try
There's no single "right" first food. Gone are the days of strict rules about rice cereal first. Current guidance encourages a variety of flavours and textures from the start.
Good First Foods
- Purées: Sweet potato, butternut squash, peas, apple, pear, banana
- Iron-rich options: Pureed meat (chicken, beef), lentils, fortified cereals — iron is especially important at this stage
- Soft finger foods (for baby-led weaning): Steamed broccoli florets, soft banana slices, well-cooked pasta
Two Approaches: Purées vs. Baby-Led Weaning
| Approach | How It Works | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Purée-based feeding | Smooth, blended foods offered by spoon; gradually thicken over time | Easy to control intake; good for babies who need more time to develop chewing skills |
| Baby-led weaning (BLW) | Soft, age-appropriate finger foods offered from the start; baby self-feeds | Encourages independence and exploration; requires supervision and appropriate textures |
| Combined approach | Mix of spoon-fed purées and some finger foods | Flexible and popular with many families; best of both approaches |
Foods to Avoid in the First Year
Some foods pose safety or health risks for babies under 12 months:
- Honey — risk of infant botulism
- Whole cow's milk as a main drink — formula or breast milk remains primary
- Added salt and sugar — babies' kidneys aren't ready for salt, and sweet foods can shape unhealthy preferences
- Hard, round foods — whole grapes, nuts, raw carrots — serious choking hazards
- Unpasteurised products and undercooked meat or eggs
Common Allergens: Introduce Early
Current research supports introducing common allergens — peanut products, egg, fish, wheat, dairy — early and often, rather than delaying them. Early introduction has been shown to reduce the risk of developing food allergies. Introduce one new allergen at a time, a few days apart, and watch for reactions.
Practical Tips for Mealtimes
- Offer solids when your baby is happy and alert — not overtired or starving
- Start with 1–2 teaspoons and gradually increase over days and weeks
- Expect mess — it's part of the learning process!
- Never leave your baby unattended while eating
- It can take 10–15 exposures before a baby accepts a new flavour — keep offering!
Starting solids is meant to be fun and exploratory. Keep the atmosphere relaxed, follow your baby's cues, and enjoy this delicious new chapter together.