How to Introduce Solids to Babies (6months +)

Fun and colorful toast face art with blueberries, strawberries, and orange slices on a blue background.

Introducing solids is a major milestone in your baby’s development. Around six months, most babies are ready to start exploring new textures and flavors beyond breast milk or formula. In this guide, we’ll cover when to start, what foods to introduce first, and tips for a smooth transition.

When to Start Solids

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend starting solids at around six months of age, but every baby is different. Look for these signs of readiness:

✅ Baby can sit up with little or no support

✅ Shows interest in food (e.g., reaching for your plate)

✅ Opens mouth when offered food

✅ Can move food from a spoon into their throat (not pushing it out with their tongue)

If your baby isn’t showing these signs yet, wait a few weeks and try again.

Best First Foods for Babies

Start with simple, single-ingredient foods that are easy to digest. Some great first foods include:

• Iron-fortified baby cereal (oatmeal, rice, or barley)

• Pureed vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, squash)

• Mashed fruits (banana, avocado, apple, pear)

• Soft proteins (lentils, tofu, chicken, egg yolk)

How to Introduce Solids

    1. Start Slowly: Offer solids once a day and gradually increase to two or three times per day.

    • Use a Small Spoon: A soft-tipped spoon is gentle on baby’s gums

    • Thin the Texture: Mix purees with breast milk or formula to create a familiar taste.

    • One Food at a Time: Introduce one new food every 3-5 days to monitor for allergies.

    • Make Mealtime Fun: Offer solids when your baby is happy and alert, not overly hungry or tired.

Common Concerns & Solutions

What if My Baby Rejects Solids?

It’s normal! Keep offering the food in different ways. Sometimes, it takes 8-10 tries before a baby accepts a new taste.

What Foods Should I Avoid?

Avoid these foods before 12 months:

🚫 Honey (risk of botulism)

🚫 Cow’s milk as a drink (can replace iron-rich breast milk or formula)

🚫 Choking hazards (whole nuts, grapes, popcorn)

🚫 Added sugar and salt (stick to natural flavors)

When to Increase Solid Meals

At six months, solids are for practice—breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition. By 9-12 months, your baby will start eating more solids and rely less on milk.

Simple First Food Recipe: Mashed Banana & Oatmeal

🥣 Ingredients:

• 1 small banana

• 2 tbsp iron-fortified baby oatmeal

• Breast milk or formula (as needed)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

    1. Mash the banana until smooth.

    1. Stir in oatmeal and add liquid until you reach the desired consistency.

    1. Serve with a baby spoon and let your little one explore!

Final Tip:

Be patient and enjoy the messy, fun experience of introducing solids. Every baby is different, so follow their cues and keep mealtime stress-free!