When and How to Introduce Solids to Your Baby

Introducing solid foods is one of the most exciting milestones in your baby’s first year. Along with the first smiles, first words, and first steps, the moment your little one tastes something other than milk feels like a big leap forward. But for many parents, it’s also a source of questions: When should I start? What foods are best? How much should I offer?

This guide will walk you through the essentials of starting solids, based on widely recognized pediatric guidance in Europe and beyond.

When Is the Right Time to Start Solids?

Most experts recommend introducing solid foods around six months of age. At this stage, breast milk or formula is still your baby’s main source of nutrition, but they’re beginning to need additional nutrients such as iron.

Some signs your baby may be ready include:

• Sitting with support and holding their head steady.
• Showing curiosity about what you’re eating—reaching for food or watching you closely.
• Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex, which previously caused food to be pushed out of the mouth.
• Ability to grasp and bring items to the mouth.

It’s important not to rush this step. Introducing solids too early (before 4 months) may increase risks of infections and digestive issues. Waiting until about 6 months ensures the digestive system is more mature and your baby is developmentally ready.

Milk Still Comes First

Even after solids begin, breast milk or formula remains the foundation of your baby’s diet during the first year. Solids at this stage are best thought of as “complementary foods.” They help babies practice chewing, swallowing, and tasting, while milk continues to supply most calories and nutrients.

Think of solids as exploration—getting used to flavors, textures, and the idea of mealtime—rather than replacing milk feeds.

First Foods: What to Offer

When introducing solids, start simple.

Good first foods include:

• Iron-rich options: fortified baby cereals, pureed meats, lentils, beans. Iron is essential for brain development and babies’ stores begin to drop around six months.
• Vegetables and fruits: smooth purees or very soft finger foods like cooked carrots, mashed bananas, or ripe avocado.
• Single-ingredient foods: Offer one new food at a time, every 2–3 days. This makes it easier to spot any allergic reactions.

Foods to avoid in the first year:

• Honey (risk of infant botulism).
• Whole nuts and hard chunks (choking hazard).
• Unpasteurized cheeses or dairy.
• Added salt or sugar. Babies’ kidneys and taste buds don’t need it.

Purees vs. Baby-Led Weaning

There’s more than one way to start solids.

• Traditional weaning begins with spoon-fed purees that gradually progress to thicker textures and finger foods.
• Baby-led weaning (BLW) skips spoon-feeding and allows babies to self-feed soft finger foods from the start.

Both methods have benefits. Purees can feel more controlled, while BLW encourages independence and fine motor skills. Many families use a combination: some spoon-fed meals plus opportunities for self-feeding.

How Much Food Should You Give?

In the early weeks, just a teaspoon or two once a day is enough. Your baby may only play with the food at first—and that’s okay!

Over time, you can gradually increase frequency and portion size:

• 6–8 months: 1–2 small meals a day alongside milk feeds.
• 8–10 months: 2–3 meals a day, including protein-rich foods.
• 10–12 months: 3 meals plus healthy snacks, with milk feeds continuing.

Remember: every baby is unique. Some take to solids quickly, others slowly. Follow their cues.

Safety First: Avoiding Choking Hazards

• Always keep your baby upright while eating.
• Never leave your baby alone with food.
• Cut finger foods into safe shapes (thin strips instead of round slices like grapes).
• Avoid hard, raw vegetables and whole nuts until older.

Watch for Allergies

Allergic reactions are relatively rare, but they do happen. Common allergenic foods include cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and fish.

Introduce potential allergens one at a time, in very small amounts, and watch for reactions such as rash, swelling, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. If any occur, stop the food and consult a healthcare professional immediately.

Recent research suggests that introducing allergenic foods earlier (after 6 months, but not delaying unnecessarily) may actually help reduce long-term risk of allergies.

Making Mealtimes Enjoyable

Solids are about more than nutrition—they’re about building a healthy relationship with food. Keep meals relaxed and fun:

• Let your baby touch, squish, and play with food.
• Eat together as a family when possible. Babies learn by watching.
• Don’t pressure your baby to finish. Respect hunger and fullness cues.

Final Thoughts

Starting solids is an exciting chapter in your baby’s first year. By waiting until the right time, offering safe and nutritious first foods, and keeping the focus on exploration rather than quantity, you’ll set the stage for healthy eating habits in years to come.

Every baby is different, so follow your little one’s lead and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Milk remains the foundation, but solids open a world of discovery—new tastes, new skills, and new family experiences.