Introducing Solids | When to Start Solid Foods

Introducing solid foods is an exciting milestone for both babies and parents. Many families wonder when their baby is ready to start solids and how to safely introduce baby food alongside milk feeds. During the early months of life, babies receive all the nutrition they need from breast milk or infant formula . However, as babies grow and develop, they gradually become ready to explore new tastes and textures. Understanding when to start solids , recognising signs that your baby is ready, and knowing how to introduce new foods can help make this stage enjoyable and stress-free. Parents can also find helpful guidance in the Parenting Hub's free tools , which provide practical advice on feeding, development, and baby milestones. When Should Babies Start Solid Foods? Most health organisations recommend introducing solid food around 6 months of age, not 4 months or 7 months . At this stage, babies are developmentally ready to begin learning to eat alongside their usual milk feeds. Before 6 months old, babies typically get all the nutrition they need from breastfeeding or infant formula milk or formula . Milk continues to remain an important part of a baby’s diet even after solids are introduced. Around 6 months of age , babies usually begin showing developmental signs that indicate they are ready to try their first foods . Some babies may show interest slightly earlier, but it is generally recommended to wait until around six months before regularly introducing solid foods. Signs Your Baby Is Ready for Solids Not all babies become ready for solids at exactly the same time. Instead of focusing only on age, parents can watch for developmental signs that their baby is ready for solid foods . Common signs include: Good head and neck control Ability to sit upright with support Showing interest in food during family meals Opening their mouth when food approaches Losing the tongue-thrust reflex that pushes food out of the mouth When these signs appear, it may indicate that your baby is ready to start solids . First Foods for Babies - Introducing Solids When introducing solids, many parents begin with smooth purees or very soft foods. Some common first foods include: Pureed vegetables such as pumpkin, sweet potato, or carrot Mashed fruits such as banana or avocado Soft grains such as baby cereal Pureed lentils or beans These foods are easy for babies to swallow as they…