When to Start Solid Foods
A complete guide to introducing solids to your baby—from the first spoonful to table foods. Based on AAP and WHO guidelines.
Feeding Essentials
The Bottom Line
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, followed by introduction of nutritious complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding through 12 months or longer.
Most babies are developmentally ready for solids between 4-6 months, but around 6 months is the sweet spot for most families. Always look for readiness signs rather than just the calendar.
Is Your Baby Ready?
Look for these developmental signs before starting solids. Most babies show these signs around 6 months.
Good head and neck control
Baby can hold their head steady and upright without support
Sits with minimal support
Can sit in a high chair or feeding seat with little assistance
Shows interest in food
Watches you eat, reaches for your food, opens mouth when food approaches
Loss of tongue-thrust reflex
No longer automatically pushes food out of mouth with tongue
Can bring objects to mouth
Demonstrates hand-to-mouth coordination with toys
Doubles birth weight
Has at least doubled their birth weight (usually by 4 months)
Signs That DON'T Mean Baby Is Ready
- • Waking more at night (often a growth spurt or developmental leap)
- • Putting everything in their mouth (normal developmental milestone)
- • Being a larger baby (size isn't an indicator)
- • Reaching 4 months old (age alone isn't enough)
Month-by-Month Feeding Guide
Here's what to expect as you progress through the first year of solids.
4-6 Months
Getting Ready
Focus: Watch for readiness signs
- Most babies aren't ready until closer to 6 months
- Breast milk or formula remains primary nutrition
- If starting early, begin with iron-fortified cereal
- Very thin, smooth purees only
- 1-2 tablespoons, once daily
6-7 Months
Introduction Phase
Focus: Single-ingredient purees
- Start with iron-rich foods (meat, fortified cereal)
- Introduce one new food every 3-5 days
- Watch for allergic reactions
- 2-4 tablespoons per "meal"
- 1-2 meals per day
7-8 Months
Expanding Variety
Focus: More textures and combinations
- Thicker purees and mashed foods
- Combine foods (banana + avocado)
- Introduce common allergens
- 4-6 tablespoons per meal
- 2-3 meals per day
8-10 Months
Finger Foods Begin
Focus: Self-feeding practice
- Soft, dissolvable finger foods
- Puffs, small pasta, soft fruits
- Let baby explore textures
- Continue offering purees alongside
- 3 meals per day + snacks
10-12 Months
Table Foods Transition
Focus: Family meals (modified)
- Most table foods in small pieces
- Soft-cooked vegetables, tender meats
- Baby practices pincer grasp
- Breast milk/formula still important
- 3 meals + 1-2 snacks daily
12+ Months
Toddler Eating
Focus: Full variety of family foods
- Can switch to whole cow's milk
- Most foods are fair game (watch choking hazards)
- Self-feeding with spoon practice
- Appetite may decrease—this is normal
- 3 meals + 2 snacks daily
Best First Foods
Start with iron-rich foods (babies' iron stores deplete around 6 months), then expand to vegetables, fruits, and proteins.
Iron-Rich Foods (Start Here)
Iron-fortified infant cereal
Mix with breast milk or formula
Pureed meat (beef, chicken, turkey)
Excellent iron source
Pureed beans/lentils
Plant-based iron option
Pureed tofu
Soft, mild flavor
Vegetables
Sweet potato
Naturally sweet, smooth texture
Butternut squash
Mild, easy to puree
Peas
High in protein for a veggie
Green beans
Start with smooth puree
Carrots
Naturally sweet, vibrant color
Avocado
Healthy fats, no cooking needed
Fruits
Banana
Easy to mash, mild flavor
Applesauce
Unsweetened only
Pears
Gentle on tummy
Peaches
Soft texture when ripe
Mango
Sweet, tropical flavor
Prunes
Helps with constipation
Introducing Allergens Early
Current research shows that early introduction of common allergens may help prevent food allergies. The AAP now recommends introducing peanuts and other allergens around 4-6 months for high-risk babies.
What Makes a Baby "High-Risk"?
Babies with severe eczema or an existing food allergy are considered high-risk. Talk to your pediatrician about early allergen introduction if this applies to your baby.
| Allergen | When | How to Introduce |
|---|---|---|
| Peanuts | 4-6 months | Introduce early (4-6 months for high-risk babies). Mix smooth peanut butter with puree or breast milk. |
| Eggs | 6+ months | Start with well-cooked, mashed egg. Both whites and yolks are fine. |
| Dairy | 6+ months | Plain whole-milk yogurt and cheese are okay. No cow's milk as main drink until 12 months. |
| Fish | 6+ months | Low-mercury options like salmon, cod, or tilapia. Flake finely or puree. |
| Wheat | 6+ months | Infant cereals, small pasta pieces, or toast strips. |
| Tree Nuts | 6+ months | Smooth nut butters mixed into purees. Never whole nuts (choking hazard until 4+). |
| Soy | 6+ months | Tofu, edamame (mashed), or soy-based foods. |
| Shellfish | 6+ months | Well-cooked, finely chopped or pureed shrimp, crab, or lobster. |
Tips for Allergen Introduction
- • Introduce one allergen at a time, waiting 3-5 days before the next
- • Give allergens in the morning so you can watch for reactions
- • Start with a small amount (1/4 teaspoon) mixed into a food baby already tolerates
- • Once tolerated, continue offering regularly (2-3x per week) to maintain tolerance
Choking Hazards to Avoid
These foods are choking risks for babies and young toddlers. Modify or avoid until age-appropriate.
High-Risk Foods
Safety tip: Always supervise baby during meals. Learn infant CPR before starting solids. Food should be soft enough to mash with your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
Baby-Led Weaning vs. Purees
There's no single "right" way to introduce solids. Here's a comparison to help you decide.
Traditional Purees
- Parents control portion sizes and variety
- Less mess at mealtimes
- Easier to ensure adequate iron intake
- Can start slightly earlier (4-6 months)
- May take longer to transition to finger foods
Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)
- Baby develops self-regulation skills
- Encourages independence and motor skills
- Baby eats same foods as family
- May reduce picky eating later
- More mess; slower eating; food waste
The Best Approach? Combination!
Many parents find success with a mixed approach: spoon-feeding purees for iron-rich foods and meals, while also offering soft finger foods for baby to explore. Do what works for your family!
Common Questions
How much should my baby eat?
Start with 1-2 tablespoons once daily and increase based on baby's interest. By 8-9 months, many babies eat 3 "meals" of about 4-6 tablespoons each. Remember: "Food before one is just for fun"—breast milk or formula remains the primary nutrition source until 12 months.
My baby refuses purees. What do I do?
Some babies prefer to skip purees and go straight to soft finger foods. This is fine! Try offering soft-cooked vegetables, ripe fruits, or strips of toast. Keep offering a variety without pressure.
Should I give water with meals?
You can offer small sips of water (1-2 oz) in an open cup starting around 6 months to help baby learn cup skills. But water shouldn't replace breast milk or formula, which should remain the main drink until 12 months.
Is gagging normal?
Yes! Gagging is a normal protective reflex and is different from choking. Gagging involves coughing, sputtering, or retching—baby is protecting their airway. Choking is silent, and baby may turn blue. Learn the difference and take an infant CPR class for peace of mind.
Can I give honey?
No honey before 12 months. Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores that cause infant botulism. This applies to all honey products, including baked goods made with honey.
Related ParentCalc Tools
Sources & References
- • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - Infant Food and Feeding Guidelines
- • World Health Organization (WHO) - Complementary Feeding
- • LEAP Study - Early Introduction of Peanut Allergy Prevention
- • CDC - When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods
- • American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology - Food Allergy Prevention
Every Baby Is Different
Use this guide as a starting point, but follow your baby's lead. If you have concerns about feeding, growth, or allergies, always consult your pediatrician.
This guide is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician before starting solids or introducing allergens.