When to Start Solid Foods

Most babies are ready for solid foods around 6 months of age. Look for these readiness signs:

Can sit up with minimal support
Shows interest in food (reaching for it, watching you eat)
Has lost the tongue-thrust reflex
Can bring objects to their mouth
Opens mouth when food approaches

Baby-Led Weaning (BLW): What You Need to Know

Baby-led weaning lets your baby self-feed from the start, skipping purees entirely. Here's what makes it work:

Benefits of BLW:

Encourages independence and motor skill development
May reduce picky eating later
Family can eat together
No need to make separate purees
Helps develop hand-eye coordination

Best First Foods for BLW:

Steamed broccoli florets
Roasted sweet potato wedges
Ripe avocado slices
Soft-cooked pasta shapes
Banana or mango strips
Well-cooked chicken strips

Traditional Spoon-Feeding Approach

Starting with purees is equally valid and may work better for some families. This approach allows you to:

Control portion sizes more easily
Introduce specific textures gradually
Feed baby when you're out and about
Monitor exactly what baby is eating

Puree Progression:

Stage 1 (6-8 months): Single-ingredient smooth purees
Stage 2 (8-10 months): Thicker purees, combinations
Stage 3 (10-12 months): Chunkier textures, soft finger foods

Combination Approach

Many families find success with a mixed approach - offering both purees and finger foods. This gives you flexibility while encouraging self-feeding skills.

Safety First

Regardless of your feeding method:

Always supervise baby during meals
Avoid choking hazards: whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, hard raw vegetables
Cut round foods lengthwise
Ensure food is soft enough to mash between your fingers
Learn infant CPR and choking response

Common Concerns

Gagging vs. Choking: Gagging is normal and helps baby learn to manage food. It's noisy with coughing. Choking is silent - baby can't make sounds or breathe.

Messy eating: It's totally normal! Learning to eat is a messy process. Use a splash mat and dress baby in easy-to-clean clothes.

Not eating much: In the first few months of solids, food is mainly for practice. Breast milk or formula is still the primary nutrition source until 12 months.

4-6 months

Starting Solids: Your Complete Guide to Baby-Led Weaning and Traditional Feeding