When to Start Baby on Solid Foods

• The AAP recommends starting solid foods around 6 months old, when babies typically show all the developmental signs that they are ready.

• Whether you choose the puree or baby-led weaning method (or a combination), make sure Baby is trying a wide variety of foods that are rich in iron.

• Talk to Baby’s healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about Baby’s eating behaviors, nutrient deficiencies, or allergies.

When should I start my baby on solid foods?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting babies on solid food around 6 months old. This is typically when babies show all the developmental signs that they are ready (listed below), but know that personal abilities, prematurity, and health conditions can influence a baby's readiness as well. Consult Baby's healthcare provider before making the transition to solids.

What are signs my baby is ready for solid foods?

Here are a few signs Baby is ready for solid foods (some are connected to their motor skills!):

• Able to hold their head up on their own

• Sits up with support

• Brings objects to their mouth

• Weighs around 13 pounds or double their birth weight

• Shows interest in what others are eating

• Opens mouth when food approaches

• Moves food from a spoon or fork back to throat for swallowing

What can my baby eat?

What and how you choose to feed your baby is up to you. Some parents prefer starting by spoon-feeding purees or mashed foods, while others opt for the baby-led weaning method (and some do a combination of both!). Baby-led weaning involves offering Baby smaller portions of family meals and letting them self-feed at their own pace. Whichever method you choose, know that it's good to introduce Baby to a wide variety of tastes and textures early on.

The AAP says there is no evidence that waiting to introduce common allergens like eggs, dairy, or peanuts prevents food allergy, but that it's a good idea to test for peanut allergy in babies with severe eczema and/or egg allergy.¹^,² Ask Baby’s healthcare provider about testing if you have any concerns while introducing new foods.

Some common first foods to try include:

• Soft fruits like bananas and avocado

• Cooked veggies like steamed broccoli or sweet potato

• Grains, such as infant oatmeal

• Yogurt and applesauce

You should continue to provide breast milk or formula alongside introductory foods for up to one year. Remember to always supervise Baby while they are eating and watch for signs of choking or allergic reaction.

Baby can start drinking small amounts of water around the same time they start solids. Learn more!

How can I make sure my baby is getting enough iron?

Around 6 months, babies' iron supply from nutrients they got in utero starts to drop. It's important to include iron-rich foods in Baby's expanding diet to prevent anemia and fuel their rapid growth.³ According to the Mayo Clinic, babies aged 7-12 months should be getting around 11 mg of iron per day. Preterm babies may need more iron than this.⁴ Baby's healthcare provider should check their iron levels at their 9-month or 12-month well-baby visit, but don't be afraid to request this test sooner if you have any concerns.

Some good sources of iron for babies include:

• Iron-fortified baby cereals

• Red meat, poultry, and seafood (prepared in a safe manner)

• Leafy green veggies (e.g. cooked spinach)

• Legumes (e.g. beans, peas)

• Eggs

To help Baby absorb iron better, give them foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, yellow bell peppers, and tomatoes.

Superfoods are packed with nutrients like iron and vitamin C and are great for Baby's first solids! Check out some of our favorite superfoods to feed Baby!

What can’t my baby eat?

For the first year, avoid feeding your baby cow’s milk, sugary drinks, honey, salt, and artificial sweeteners. Their digestive system cannot process cow’s milk, and honey contains spores that may lead to infant botulism.⁵ Steer clear of these common choking hazards as well: hot dogs, nuts, whole grapes, popcorn, and hard, sticky, or gooey candy.⁶ Learn more about foods to limit in Baby's first year.

How do I start feeding my baby solid foods?

Here are a few strategies to make the transition to solids a little easier.

• Wait until Baby is in a comfortable state before introducing anything new. They’ll be more open to new experiences if they aren’t tired, crabby, or sick.

• Make sure Baby feels supported in their highchair. Follow the 90-90-90 highchair rule: Baby's hips, knees, and ankles are at a 90-degree angle when sitting. Their feet should be flat on the footrest, and the tray/table should be chest high or below.

• Give Baby a small amount of breast milk or formula before offering their first solids. If they’re too hungry, they’ll get frustrated; if they’re too full, they won’t be interested.

• Do not force any kind of food. If Baby rejects a food, simply wait a few days and try it again. It's typical for it to take several tries before babies get used to a new food!

• If you spoon-feed Baby, resist the urge to scrape food off their face after every spoonful. Scraping creates a noxious sensation that can cause Baby to have a negative association with mealtimes. Letting Baby get messy exposes them to different sensory experiences and helps them learn to use their oral-motor skills to clear food from their mouth by themselves.

When should I talk to a healthcare provider?

It's common to have lots of questions when introducing Baby to their first solids. Don't hesitate to reach out to Baby's healthcare provider, especially if you're concerned about Baby's eating behaviors, nutrient deficiencies, or allergies. Baby's feeding skills are connected to their motor and speech skills, so acting early can help catch potential delays in these areas when they're easiest to treat.

Call emergency services if Baby is choking or showing signs of a severe allergic reaction while eating.