When and How to Introduce Solid Foods: A Pediatrician’s Guide

The Big Question Every Parent Asks

One of the most common questions I get in clinic (and from fellow parents at the playground) is: “When should I start my baby on solids?” The short answer: most babies are ready around 6 months. But it’s not about the calendar—it’s about readiness.

Starting solids is a milestone that’s both exciting (hello, adorable messy faces!) and nerve-wracking (choking, allergies, what on earth do I feed them first?). The good news: with the right signs and a little prep, you’ll feel confident guiding your baby into this next stage.

Signs Your Baby Is Ready for Solids

Look for these developmental green lights, usually around 5–7 months:

• Sits with little support and has good head control.

• Shows interest in food—watching you eat, reaching for your plate.

• Loses the tongue-thrust reflex (not automatically pushing food out).

• Can pick up food and bring it to their mouth (early hand-eye coordination).

If these aren’t there yet, don’t rush. Babies will get all the nutrition they need from breastmilk or formula until solids are safely on the menu.

How to Start: The First Foods

1. Iron Is Key

Babies’ iron stores from pregnancy start running low around 6 months. That’s why iron-rich foods—fortified cereals, pureed meats, beans, or lentils—are excellent first choices.

2. Single Ingredients First

Offer one new food at a time, waiting 3 days before introducing another. This helps spot potential allergies.

3. Purees and Finger Foods Work

There’s no single “right” method. Some families prefer spoon-fed purees, others lean toward baby-led weaning (soft finger foods the baby self-feeds). Most parents use a hybrid—and that’s perfectly fine.

How to Serve Safely

• Textures matter. Start with very soft, mashed, or smooth foods. Progress to thicker textures as your baby learns to chew.

• Finger foods should squish easily between your fingers. Think avocado slices, soft bananas, roasted sweet potatoes.

• Avoid choking hazards: no whole grapes, hot dogs, popcorn, or raw carrots at this stage.

• Sit them upright. Always feed in a highchair, not reclined or distracted.

What About Allergens?

Old advice said to wait—but the latest research is clear: early introduction (around 6 months) of allergenic foods like peanuts and eggs may reduce allergy risk. Introduce them one at a time, in age-appropriate textures (e.g., thinned peanut butter, well-cooked scrambled eggs). Always discuss with your pediatrician if your baby has severe eczema, prior reactions, or strong family allergy history.

Setting Up Mealtimes for Success

• Start small. One “meal” a day is plenty at first. Work up to 2–3 meals by 9 months.

• Follow baby’s lead. Solids are for practice in the beginning—breastmilk or formula remains the main source of nutrition until age one.

• Expect mess. Learning is messy by design. Invest in a good bib and let them explore.

• Model eating. Babies learn by watching you—sit together and share the experience.

Clinician’s Note

Introducing solids isn’t just about food—it’s about learning skills: chewing, swallowing, textures, self-feeding. Some babies take to it eagerly, others more slowly. Both are normal. What matters most is offering safe, nutritious foods in a relaxed, encouraging environment.

Key Takeaways

• Most babies are ready for solids around 6 months, when they show signs of readiness.

• Start with iron-rich foods, then build variety with fruits, veggies, and grains.

• Introduce allergens early (with pediatric guidance).

• Safety is everything: soft textures, small pieces, upright seating.

• Solids complement breastmilk or formula—they don’t replace them in the first year.

Final word: Starting solids is a messy, joyful milestone. Trust your baby’s cues, lean on the science, and remember: there’s no single “perfect” way—just the one that works for your family.