When should I start solid foods for my baby?

Most babies are ready to start solids around 4-6 months of age. Look for developmental signs like head control, sitting with support, showing interest in food, and decreased tongue-thrust reflex. The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months before introducing solids.

What should be baby's first solid food?

Single-grain infant cereals like rice cereal or oatmeal are common first foods. They're easy to digest and have low allergy risk. Start with a thin, runny consistency (10:1 water-to-grain ratio) and offer just 1-2 teaspoons for the first few days while watching for any reactions.

How do I balance solids with breast milk or formula?

In the first year, breast milk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition. Solid foods complement but don't replace milk feeds. Start solids while maintaining your regular nursing or formula schedule, and gradually increase solid food amounts as baby adjusts.

What are signs of food allergies in babies?

Common signs include hives, rash, swelling around the mouth or face, vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing. Always introduce one new food at a time and wait 3-5 days before adding another. Offer new foods in the morning so you can monitor for reactions during the day. Seek immediate medical attention for severe reactions.

Baby Food Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Starting Solids

Don't stress about getting it perfect. Good enough is truly enough.
When in doubt, your pediatrician is always there to help.

1. When Should You Start Solids?

Most babies are ready to start solid foods between 4 and 6 months of age. However, rather than focusing solely on age, it's more important to watch for your baby's developmental readiness signs. If your baby can hold their head up steadily, sit with some support, shows interest when others are eating, and opens their mouth or reaches for food, they may be ready to start.

On the other hand, if your baby still has difficulty with head control or seems satisfied with breast milk or formula alone, it's perfectly fine to wait a bit longer. Don't compare your timeline to others—focus on your baby's individual development and your pediatrician's guidance.

AAP Recommendation: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, then introducing solid foods while continuing to breastfeed until at least 12 months.

2. Understanding Baby Food Stages

When starting solids, you'll begin with very thin, smooth purees and gradually progress to thicker textures as your baby develops their eating skills. Here's how the stages typically progress:

Stage 1 (Thin Purees): Very runny, smooth consistency with no lumps. Your baby is learning to swallow rather than push food out with their tongue.
Stage 2 (Thicker Purees): Slightly thicker consistency. Baby is learning to move food around their mouth and swallow more efficiently.
Stage 3 (Soft Solids): Mashed or finely chopped foods with some texture. Baby is preparing for more advanced chewing and self-feeding.

The exact timing varies by baby. Our Baby Food Calculator can help you get a sense of portion sizes and ratios, but always adjust based on how your baby responds to different textures and quantities.

3. The First Two Weeks: Getting Started

One of the most common questions new parents have is "How much should I feed, and how often?" The truth is, there's no perfect answer—the key is to start small and increase gradually based on your baby's cues.

Week 1: Offer thin puree once daily, starting with just 1-2 teaspoons. If baby swallows well, you can slowly increase the amount.
Week 2: Still once daily, but if baby is doing well, you can try a slightly thicker consistency and larger portions.

If your baby gags, vomits, develops a rash, or becomes very fussy, stop immediately and consult your pediatrician. If baby only takes one spoonful today, that's okay— think of it as "just tasting something new" rather than a full meal.

4. Balancing Solids with Breast Milk or Formula

Starting solids doesn't mean switching to "food-first" immediately. Until your baby's first birthday, breast milk or formula remains the primary source of nutrition. Solid foods are supplementary—they're practice for eating, exploring new flavors, and getting additional nutrients like iron.

A typical approach in the early months is: "Breast milk/formula first, wait a bit for digestion, then offer a small amount of solids." Rather than drastically cutting milk feeds, observe your baby's hunger cues, sleep patterns, and growth curve, and work with your pediatrician to make gradual adjustments.

5. Food Allergies: How to Introduce Safely

When introducing new foods, follow this basic principle: "One new food at a time, in small amounts, during daytime hours." Offering new foods during the day (ideally mid-morning) ensures that if a reaction occurs, you can seek medical attention during regular hours.

Start with foods that are generally well-tolerated, like rice cereal, sweet potato, or banana. For common allergens like eggs, peanuts (as a thin paste or powder mixed into food), dairy, wheat, and fish, consult your pediatrician before introducing. Current AAP guidelines actually recommend introducing allergenic foods early (around 6 months) as this may help reduce allergy risk—but always get personalized advice from your doctor.

Signs of Allergic Reaction

Hives, rash, or redness
Swelling of face, lips, or tongue
Vomiting or severe diarrhea
Difficulty breathing or wheezing

* For severe reactions (difficulty breathing, widespread hives, facial swelling), call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.

6. Your Mindset Matters Most

Starting solids isn't a competition to see whose baby eats the most or tries the most foods. It's a gradual process where your baby learns new tastes and textures at their own pace, and it's a time for your family to establish mealtime routines together.

Some days your baby will eat enthusiastically; other days they might refuse everything. When that happens, remember: "Maybe today just isn't the day." It's perfectly fine to take a break and try again in a few days. Your baby's appetite can vary based on their mood, sleep quality, teething, or whether they're fighting off a cold.

7. How to Use the Baby Food Calculator

The First Parenting Baby Food Calculator helps you answer questions like: "How much water should I use for thin puree today?" or "How many portions should I freeze based on my ice cube tray size?"

Simply enter your baby's age, the food stage, total amount, and your storage container size to get approximate ratios and portion counts. Remember, these numbers are guidelines only— always adjust based on how much your baby actually eats and how they're feeling that day.

And one more reminder: This guide and calculator do not replace professional medical or nutritional advice. For specific decisions about your child's growth, allergies, and nutritional needs, please consult your pediatrician or a registered dietitian.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO)

* This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for decisions about your baby's health and nutrition.