Starting Baby on Solids: What You Need to Know

Written by Leena Tabaja. Customer Service Coordinator
& proud mom of two.

Introducing your baby to solid foods is a significant milestone in their growth and development. This transition marks the beginning of a new journey where your little one explores different tastes and textures, setting the stage for healthy eating habits in the future. Starting solids opens a whole new world of parenthood, one that may appear straightforward at first, but often brings its own set of challenges and brings many questions for parents about their baby's needs and safety. As a parent, it's natural to wonder when and how to start solid foods, which foods to offer, and how to ensure your baby’s safety. This FAQ guide will help you navigate this exciting stage with confidence.

When should I start feeding my baby solids? How do I know if they’re ready?

Babies are typically ready to start solid foods around 6 months of age. Signs that your baby is ready include sitting up with minimal support, good head and neck control, showing interest in food (e.g., tracking parents' food, bringing items to their mouth), and being able to move food to the back of their mouth with their tongue. It’s important to wait until your baby shows these developmental signs to ensure they can safely handle solids. Your baby may still not have teeth at this stage, and that’s okay. Most babies begin eating solids without them and can manage soft, mashed, or pureed foods effectively.

Are there good “starter foods” to introduce to my baby when beginning solids?

Absolutely. Start with single-ingredient foods that are easy to digest and unlikely to cause allergies. Common first foods include iron-fortified cereals, pureed vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots, pureed fruits such as apples or pears, and pureed meats. Introducing single foods at a time in the beginning is also a good way to determine food sensitivities and/or allergies. Introduce one new food at a time and wait a few days before adding another to monitor for any allergic reactions.

What are the best practices for introducing food to my baby, and how should I go about feeding them?

When introducing solid foods, start with smooth purees and gradually progress to thicker textures as your baby becomes more comfortable with eating. Offer small amounts, about 1-2 teaspoons, once or twice a day, and let your baby guide the pace. As they become more familiar with solids, you can increase the quantity and variety of foods.

How much food should I give my baby?

In the beginning, your baby will only need a small amount of solid food, as their primary nutrition will still come from breast milk or formula. Start with a teaspoon or two and gradually increase the amount based on your baby’s hunger cues and interest in food. By 8-9 months, your baby may be eating three small meals a day.

What if my baby refuses solids

It’s common for babies to refuse solids at first. If your baby turns their head away or seems uninterested, don’t force it. Try again later and offer different foods and textures. Keep mealtime positive and stress-free and remember that it may take multiple attempts before your baby accepts new foods.

Should I give extra liquids, like water or juice?

Breast milk or formula should still be your baby’s primary source of hydration until about 12 months. If your child has appropriate growth, small sips of water can be introduced around 6 months with meals, but avoid giving juice at this stage. Juice offers little nutritional benefit and can contribute to tooth decay and excessive weight gain.

Cow’s milk should be avoided until your infant reaches 12 months of age due to its increased risk of iron deficiency. Plant based milks do not meet the nutritional needs of infants and should also be avoided. 

Can I continue breastfeeding/formula feeding?

Yes, you should continue breastfeeding or formula feeding while introducing solids. Breast milk will continue to be a primary source of nutrition, continuing to provide essential nutrients during your baby’s first year, and solids will complement it. Gradually, solids will begin to play a larger role in their diet, but breast milk or formula should remain a key component until at least 12 months.

Should I be concerned about food allergies?

Yes, it’s a good idea to be aware of potential food allergies when starting solids. Introduce potential allergens one at a time and wait a few days before offering another new food. Common allergens include eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, stop the new food and consult your pediatrician. If there’s a family history of allergies, consult your pediatrician before introducing these foods. Early introduction of allergenic foods may actually help reduce the risk of developing food allergies.

How can I differentiate between gagging and choking when starting solids with my baby?

Gagging is a common reflex as babies learn to handle different textures, and it’s usually harmless. It is often a normal response when babies are learning to handle new textures and can often be a sign that they are trying to manage a piece of food. Gagging usually involves coughing or making noises as your baby tries to move the food to the back of their mouth. Choking, on the other hand, is more serious and occurs when a baby’s airway is blocked, leading to difficulty breathing or no sound at all. To minimize the risk of choking, always supervise your baby during meals, offer age-appropriate food sizes, and avoid foods that pose a choking hazard, like whole grapes, nuts, and popcorn. Always ensure your baby is upright when eating solids.

What are finger foods and when can I start giving them to my baby?

Finger foods are solid foods cut into small, manageable pieces that your baby can grasp with their fingers and feed themselves. Finger foods can be introduced once your baby has developed a pincer grasp, usually around 8-10 months. Start with soft, easy-to-hold foods like banana slices, soft-cooked vegetables like carrots and peas, small pieces of soft cheese, or well-cooked pieces of chicken or fish. Make sure the pieces are small enough to prevent choking and soft enough for your baby to mash with their gums.

What is baby-led weaning?

Baby-led weaning is an approach where babies self-feed from the start, skipping purees and moving straight to finger foods. This method allows babies to explore different textures and tastes at their own pace. If you choose baby-led weaning, ensure that the foods offered are safe, soft enough to mash, and cut into manageable sizes.

What changes can I expect to see when my baby starts solids?

As your baby begins solids, you’ll notice changes in their bowel movements, including the color, consistency, and frequency. Solid foods may lead to firmer stools, and some babies may experience constipation as their digestive system adjusts. Offer plenty of fluids along with high-fiber meals to help maintain regularity.

When should I start thinking about toddler formula?

As your baby approaches 12 months, you may consider transitioning from infant formula to toddler formula. You may also consider toddler formula if you’re looking for a supplementary source of key nutrients like iron, calcium and vitamins to support their growth in addition to a solid-food diet. Toddler formulas are designed to complement a child’s diet and provide additional nutrients, and these formulas on their own will not meet a child’s full nutritional requirements. Always consult with your pediatrician or a dietitian before making changes to your baby’s feeding routine.

Good Feeding Habits Start Early

Establishing healthy feeding habits from the beginning sets the foundation for your child’s long-term health and development. By introducing a variety of nutritious foods, responding to your baby’s hunger cues, and maintaining a positive mealtime environment, you’re helping your little one develop a healthy relationship with food that will benefit them throughout their life.

We hope these FAQs on starting solids and feeding have been informative and that you feel empowered to embark on this new feeding journey with your baby.

     Leena Tabaja 
     Customer Service Coordinator
     & proud mom of two