When can I start solid foods?
1 min read
You can start solid foods around 6 months, once your baby shows clear signs of readiness.
The AAP recommends giving only breast milk (or formula) for about the first 6 months, then adding solid foods while continuing to breast or bottle feed. Babies reach this stage at slightly different times, so watch for these readiness signs rather than going by age alone. Good signs include sitting up with steady head control, opening their mouth and showing interest when you eat, and being able to move food from a spoon to the back of their mouth instead of pushing it out.
Start slow with a half-spoonful of soft or pureed food, and offer one new single-ingredient food every few days while watching for reactions. Most of those first meals will end up on your baby's face and bib more than in their tummy, which is all part of learning to eat.
What you can do
- Wait until around 6 months and watch for readiness signs
- Make sure your baby can sit up with good head control
- Begin with small spoonfuls of soft or pureed food
- Introduce one new single-ingredient food every 3 to 5 days
Based on AAP guidance. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.
More parenting tips
How often should I feed my newborn?
Feed your newborn whenever they seem hungry, which is usually every 2 to 3 hours, or 8 to 12 times in 24 hours.
1 min read
FeedHow do I know if my baby is getting enough breast milk?
You can tell your breastfed baby is getting enough milk by tracking their diapers, weight gain, and how satisfied they seem after feeding.
1 min read
FeedWhy does my baby spit up after every feeding?
Spitting up after feedings is very common and usually happens because your baby swallows air along with milk, and their tiny stomach fills up quickly.
1 min read