How to Start Solids for Your Baby: A Simple Guide for Modern Parents
Starting solids is one of the most exciting — and slightly nerve-wracking — milestones in your baby’s first year. You're probably asking: When should I start? What should I feed first? How do I avoid choking? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
Here’s everything you need to know to begin your baby’s solids journey with confidence, calm, and a whole lot of love.
When to Start Solids
Most babies are ready to begin solids around 6 months of age, but every baby is different. Look for these readiness signs:
- Baby can sit up with minimal support
- Has good head and neck control
- Shows interest in food (grabbing your spoon, watching you eat)
- Has lost the tongue-thrust reflex (doesn’t automatically push food out)
Always check with your pediatrician before starting solids, especially if your baby was born prematurely or has any health concerns.
What to Start With: Purees or Baby-Led Weaning?
You have two main options — and both are great!
✅ Option 1: Traditional Purees
Start with smooth, single-ingredient purees like:
- Mashed banana
- Steamed and blended carrots, sweet potato, or apple
- Iron-fortified baby cereals (like oatmeal or rice)
Introduce new foods one at a time every 2–3 days to watch for allergies.
✅ Option 2: Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)
Skip purees and offer soft, graspable foods your baby can feed themselves:
- Steamed broccoli florets
- Sliced avocado
- Strips of ripe banana or cooked sweet potato
BLW encourages independence and self-regulation — just be sure foods are soft enough to mash between your fingers and shaped to prevent choking.
How to Serve Solids Safely
- Start small: One meal per day is enough at first — milk or formula is still their main source of nutrition.
- Offer water in a small open cup or straw cup during meals.
- Avoid choking hazards: No whole nuts, raw apples, grapes, popcorn, or chunks of meat.
- Stay with your baby during meals and make sure they’re seated upright.
Foods to Prioritize Early On
Babies need iron-rich foods starting at 6 months:
- Lentils, beans, tofu
- Egg yolk
- Meats like chicken, beef, or liver (pureed or in BLW form)
- Iron-fortified cereals
Pair iron with vitamin C-rich foods (like strawberries or tomatoes) to boost absorption.
Common Allergens to Introduce Early
Research shows introducing allergens early (around 6 months) may help prevent allergies. Introduce one at a time and watch for signs of a reaction.
Common allergens:
- Peanuts (smooth peanut butter thinned with water)
- Eggs (well-cooked)
- Dairy (yogurt or cheese, not cow’s milk)
- Fish and shellfish
- Wheat
If your baby has eczema or a family history of allergies, speak to your pediatrician before introducing allergens.
What to Avoid in the First Year
- Honey (risk of botulism)
- Added salt and sugar
- Cow’s milk as a drink (ok in small amounts in foods, but not as a replacement for breastmilk/formula)
- Juice, processed snacks, and anything overly seasoned
Make Mealtimes Joyful — Not Stressful
Starting solids is not about perfection. It’s about exploration, texture, flavor, and fun. Some days they’ll eat with excitement. Other days, it’ll end up on the floor. And that’s okay.
Offer a variety of foods. Model eating with them. And most of all, trust the process — even the messy, unpredictable parts.
Bonus Tips:
- Use a soft silicone spoon or let baby self-feed with easy-grip utensils.
- Try a waterproof silicone bib with a pocket to catch spills.
- Offer food in a suction bowl or plate to keep it in place.
- Embrace the mess — mealtime is also sensory play at this stage!
You’ve Got This, Mama.
Whether you start with spoon-fed purées, go all-in on baby-led weaning, or try a mix of both — there’s no single “right” way to feed your baby. The best way is the one that feels safe, supported, and joyful for you and your little one.
At Baby Fuel Co., we’re here to make your feeding journey easier with thoughtfully designed bibs, bowls, utensils, and storage — all made from baby-safe, parent-approved materials. From our heart to your highchair. 💛