Introducing Solid Foods

When to Start

Most babies are ready for solid foods between 4 and 6 months. The exact timing depends on the baby, not the calendar. Look for these signs: the baby can sit with support and hold their head steady, the tongue-thrust reflex (pushing food out with the tongue) has faded, the baby shows interest in food by reaching for it or watching you eat, and their birth weight has doubled. Starting solids before 4 months does not help the baby sleep through the night and may increase the risk of allergies. Starting after 6 months may mean the baby misses a window of opportunity for accepting new textures.

First Foods and How to Introduce Them

Begin with single-ingredient foods. Iron-fortified single-grain cereal mixed with breast milk or formula to a thin consistency is a traditional first food. Once the baby handles cereal well, introduce pureed vegetables like sweet potato, carrot, peas, and squash, then fruits like avocado, banana, pear, and apple. Introduce one new food at a time and wait 3 to 5 days before introducing another. This makes it easy to identify any allergic reaction. Choose a time of day when the baby is alert and not too hungry. Offer a small amount of milk first, then a small spoonful of food. Use a soft-tipped spoon. Do not put food in a bottle.

Foods to Avoid in the First Year

Progressing Through Textures

Start with thin purees, then gradually thicken them as the baby gets better at swallowing. Around 7 to 8 months, introduce mashed foods with soft lumps. Around 9 to 12 months, offer soft finger foods the baby can pick up and self-feed: small pieces of ripe fruit, well-cooked vegetables, shredded meat, soft cheese, and toast strips. By 12 months, most babies can eat many of the same foods as the rest of the family, cut into safe sizes. The progression of textures is important for oral motor development and helps prevent picky eating later.