When to Start Solids: A Parent's Guide to Baby's First Foods

Starting solids is one of the most exciting milestones of your baby's first year — and one of the most confusing. When is the right time? What food should come first? What about allergies? Every baby is different, and every parent has heard a dozen different opinions.

This guide covers the widely accepted general guidance on starting solids: the signs that your baby may be ready, safe first foods, how to introduce new foods, and what to avoid. It is general information for parents — your paediatrician knows your baby best and should be your first call with any questions.

Table of Contents

• 1. When Do Babies Usually Start Solids?
• 2. Signs Your Baby May Be Ready
• 3. Good First Foods to Try
• 4. How to Introduce New Foods
• 5. Allergies: What Parents Should Know
• 6. Foods to Avoid in the First Year
• 7. Frequently Asked Questions

1. When Do Babies Usually Start Solids?

Major health organisations, including the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics, generally recommend introducing complementary foods at around 6 months of age, while continuing breastfeeding or formula feeding. Before that age, breast milk or formula provides everything a baby needs.

Around 6 months is a guide, not a deadline. Some babies show readiness a little earlier, others a little later. The exact timing depends on your baby's development, so it is always worth checking with your paediatrician before starting.

Remember that in the first months of solids, milk remains the main source of nutrition. Solids are for learning, tasting and exploring — not for replacing milk feeds.

2. Signs Your Baby May Be Ready

Most babies are ready for solids when they show several of these signs together:

• Can sit up with support and hold their head steady.
• Shows interest in food — watches you eat, reaches for food, or opens their mouth when food is offered.
• Has lost the tongue-thrust reflex — no longer automatically pushes food out of the mouth with the tongue.
• Can move food to the back of the mouth and swallow, rather than letting it dribble out.
• Seems hungry after milk feeds more often than before.

If your baby does not show these signs yet, that is fine — wait a little and try again. Forcing solids before a baby is ready usually leads to frustration for everyone.

3. Good First Foods to Try

There is no single "correct" first food. The classic first foods are single-ingredient, smooth purees that are easy to swallow and gentle on tiny stomachs:

• Sweet potato — steamed and mashed until smooth.
• Carrot — cooked until very soft, then pureed.
• Banana — ripe and mashed; one of the easiest first foods.
• Avocado — soft, creamy and rich in healthy fats.
• Apple or pear — cooked until soft, then pureed.
• Peas — steamed and pureed, with skins strained out if needed.
• Iron-fortified baby cereal — mixed with breast milk or formula to a thin consistency.

Iron becomes important at around 6 months, so iron-rich foods such as pureed meat, lentils and iron-fortified cereals are often recommended early on. Your paediatrician can advise on the best iron sources for your baby.

4. How to Introduce New Foods

• Start small. One or two teaspoons is plenty for a first taste. Let your baby explore — most of it may end up on the bib, and that is normal.
• One new food at a time. Introduce one new food and wait a few days before adding another, so you can spot any reaction.
• Offer solids after a milk feed at first. A hungry, frustrated baby is less likely to try something new.
• Keep textures smooth at first, then gradually move to thicker purees, mashed foods and soft finger foods as your baby gets used to eating.
• Stay calm and patient. It can take many tries before a baby accepts a new taste. A refused food today may be a favourite next month.
• Always supervise mealtimes. Never leave a baby alone while eating.

Over the following months, gradually increase the variety, texture and amount. By around 8 to 9 months, many babies enjoy soft finger foods; by their first birthday, most can eat many of the same foods as the family, prepared safely.

5. Allergies: What Parents Should Know

Current guidance from paediatric organisations has changed in recent years: rather than delaying common allergenic foods, many experts now suggest introducing them in age-appropriate forms once solids have started, and discussing the timing with your paediatrician — especially if your baby has eczema or a family history of food allergy.

Common allergenic foods include egg, peanut, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy and dairy. When you introduce one, offer a small amount, watch your baby closely, and wait a few days before introducing another new allergenic food.

Seek medical care straight away if your baby shows signs of a serious reaction, such as trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or face, or widespread hives. If your baby has a known allergy risk, always follow your paediatrician's plan — this article cannot replace that personal advice.

6. Foods to Avoid in the First Year

• Honey — should not be given before 12 months, because of the risk of infant botulism.
• Cow's milk as a main drink — not recommended before 12 months (small amounts in cooked food are usually fine; ask your paediatrician).
• Added salt and sugar — babies do not need them, and their kidneys and taste preferences are still developing.
• Whole grapes, whole nuts, popcorn, hard raw vegetables and chunks of meat — choking hazards. Cut grapes lengthwise into quarters and cook hard vegetables until soft.
• Unpasteurised milk, juice and soft cheeses — these carry a higher risk of harmful bacteria.
• Fish high in mercury — such as shark and swordfish — should be avoided; your paediatrician can advise on safe fish choices.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

What age should I start my baby on solids?

Most guidance points to around 6 months, when many babies show signs of readiness. Always confirm the timing with your paediatrician, who knows your baby's development.

What is the best first food for a baby?

There is no single best first food. Smooth, single-ingredient purees such as sweet potato, carrot, banana, avocado or iron-fortified baby cereal are all common and sensible choices.

How much solid food should a 6-month-old eat?

Very little at first — a few teaspoons once a day is normal. Milk is still the main food. Increase gradually as your baby shows interest and appetite.

Can babies eat eggs and peanuts?

Many paediatric guidelines now suggest introducing common allergenic foods in age-appropriate forms once solids have started, rather than delaying them. Discuss the timing with your paediatrician first, especially if your baby has eczema or a family history of allergy.

My baby refuses solids — what should I do?

Stay calm and keep offering without pressure. It can take many attempts before a baby accepts a new food. If refusal continues for weeks, or your baby seems unwell, talk to your paediatrician.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your diet, starting supplements, or beginning a new exercise routine — especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a health condition, or taking medication. For questions about your baby's feeding, always consult your pediatrician.

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