Starting Solids Guide
This guide provides general information about introducing solid foods. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.
1. When to Start Solid Foods
Most babies are ready for solids between 4-6 months of age. However, age alone isn't the only factor—look for these developmental signs:
- Head control: Can hold head steady while sitting
- Sitting ability: Can sit upright with minimal support
- Interest in food: Watches you eat, reaches for food
- Tongue reflex: Diminished tongue-thrust reflex (doesn't push food out)
- Doubled birth weight: At least 13 pounds (6 kg)
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, then introducing solids while continuing breastfeeding until age 2 or beyond.
2. First Foods to Try
Start with single-ingredient purees to easily identify any allergic reactions. Good first foods include:
- Iron-fortified infant cereal: Rice, oatmeal, or barley cereal mixed with breast milk or formula
- Pureed vegetables: Sweet potato, butternut squash, peas, carrots
- Pureed fruits: Banana, avocado, applesauce, pears
- Pureed meats: Chicken, turkey, beef (good iron source)
Important: Wait 3-5 days between introducing new foods to monitor for allergic reactions.
3. How Much and How Often
Remember: breast milk or formula is still the primary nutrition source until age 1. Solid foods are for practice and exposure to new tastes and textures.
- 4-6 months: 1-2 tablespoons, once daily
- 6-8 months: 2-4 tablespoons, 2 times daily
- 8-10 months: 4-6 tablespoons, 2-3 times daily
- 10-12 months: About 1/4 to 1/2 cup, 3 times daily + snacks
4. Introducing Allergens Early
Recent research has changed allergy prevention guidelines. The AAP now recommends introducing common allergens around 6 months rather than delaying.
Common allergens to introduce (one at a time):
- Peanuts (as thinned peanut butter or peanut puff snacks)
- Eggs (well-cooked, start with yolk)
- Cow's milk products (yogurt, cheese—not milk as a drink until age 1)
- Tree nuts (as nut butters or finely ground)
- Wheat
- Soy
- Fish and shellfish
Tip: Introduce allergens in the morning so you can monitor for reactions during the day.
5. Foods to Avoid Until Age 1
- Honey: Risk of infant botulism
- Cow's milk as main drink: Not enough iron, too much protein for kidneys
- Choking hazards: Whole grapes, hot dogs, nuts, popcorn, hard candies
- Added salt and sugar: Baby's kidneys can't handle excess sodium
- Unpasteurized foods: Raw cheese, unpasteurized juice
6. Signs of Allergic Reaction
Watch for these symptoms within minutes to hours after eating:
- Hives or red, itchy skin
- Swelling of lips, face, or tongue
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty breathing (seek emergency care immediately)
If you notice any severe reactions, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
7. Baby-Led Weaning vs. Purees
Both approaches are valid:
- Traditional purees: Spoon-fed smooth textures, gradually getting chunkier
- Baby-led weaning (BLW): Baby feeds themselves soft finger foods from the start
- Combination approach: Many parents do both—purees for some meals, finger foods for others
Choose what works for your family. The important thing is that baby is exposed to a variety of healthy foods in a safe way.