Starting solid foods: when and how to begin
Many public health guidelines recommend starting solids around six months, when your baby is ready. Solid foods are not appropriate before your baby is at least 4 months old. Breast milk or infant formula remains important while your baby learns to eat.
Readiness is more than a birthday
Look for head and neck control, an upright supported sitting position and the ability to swallow food. Bringing food toward the mouth and opening for food can also help you judge readiness. Ask for advice about premature birth or feeding difficulties.
Begin with a small meal
Offer a little soft food when your baby is alert. Try iron-fortified infant cereal or mashed lentils with a soft vegetable. Allow time to explore and stop when your baby turns away; finishing a serving is not the goal.
Keep milk feeds in the day
Complementary feeding means adding food alongside milk feeds. Do not abruptly replace breast milk or infant formula with meals. Amounts and textures can grow with your baby's skills and appetite.
Allergens and local advice
Well-cooked egg and smooth peanut butter thinned into food are examples once solids are appropriate. Seek individual advice for severe eczema, known allergy or a previous reaction. WHO gives a global around-six-month starting point; national recommendations and individual risk may require a specific plan. Introducing foods cannot guarantee allergy prevention.
FirstBites
Keep track of solid foods.
When to ask for advice
Ask your doctor, pediatrician, or local healthcare professional about concerns with feeding, growth or well-being. Seek individual advice for known allergy, severe eczema or a previous reaction. For breathing difficulty or a severe reaction, call your local emergency number.
Sources
Content prepared by LilleStart.
- WHO: Complementary feeding (global)
- CDC: Starting solid foods (US)
- NHS: Foods from around 6 months (UK)
- ASCIA: Introducing solid foods for allergy prevention (Australia/New Zealand)