Introducing solid foods is one of the most exciting—and sometimes confusing—milestones of your baby’s first year. At Park Pediatrics, we’re here to guide you through the process with the latest pediatric recommendations and helpful tips for every family.
When Should You Start Solids?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting solids around 6 months of age, but readiness depends more on your baby’s development than the calendar.
Look for these signs your baby may be ready:
- Sitting up with minimal support
- Good head and neck control
- Losing the tongue-thrust reflex (not pushing food out)
- Showing interest in your food
If your baby is showing these signs, you can begin introducing small amounts of solid food while continuing breastmilk or formula as their primary source of nutrition.
What Are the Best First Foods?
Forget the old advice of only offering rice cereal. Today, we recommend iron-rich foods first, as babies’ iron stores begin to drop around 6 months.
Healthy first food options include:
- Puréed or mashed meats (like chicken, turkey, or beef)
- Iron-fortified baby cereals
- Cooked lentils or beans
- Scrambled or mashed eggs
- Mashed avocado or soft fruits
- Steamed and mashed vegetables
- Full-fat plain yogurt
Start with one food at a time, and wait 2–3 days before introducing another to watch for any signs of allergy.
Allergy Prevention: What’s New?
One of the most important updates in recent years is around preventing food allergies. Pediatricians now recommend introducing common allergens early—especially peanut and egg—around 6 months of age (unless your baby has severe eczema or other risk factors).
Tips:
- Mix smooth peanut butter with breastmilk or a purée
- Serve soft scrambled egg in tiny pieces or mashed
- Always monitor closely after introducing a new allergen
Purees or Baby-Led Weaning? You Can Choose!
You don’t have to pick just one method. Whether you offer puréed food with a spoon or go with baby-led weaning (BLW)—letting your baby self-feed soft chunks of food—either approach can be safe and healthy.
Tips for safe feeding:
- Always supervise your baby while eating
- Keep them seated upright
- Avoid choking hazards like whole grapes, nuts, raw carrots, or popcorn
- Make sure foods are soft, mashable, and easy to gum—even without teeth
Feeding Across Cultures
Feeding traditions vary widely across the world. At Park Pediatrics, we encourage families to include culturally familiar foods in their baby’s diet—so long as they are age-appropriate and prepared safely.
Many families begin with soft rice, lentils, spiced vegetables, or broths. It’s perfectly okay to incorporate spices like turmeric, cumin, or garlic in small amounts (but skip added salt and sugar!).
What About Water, Juice, and Milk?
- You can start offering small sips of water with meals once solids begin.
- Avoid juice—it adds sugar with little nutritional value.
- Don’t introduce cow’s milk as a drink until after 12 months.
Final Tips for a Successful Start
- Keep feeding relaxed, fun, and low-pressure.
- Expect mess—exploration is part of learning!
- Offer foods repeatedly, even if your baby refuses them at first (it may take 10+ tries!).
- Continue offering breastmilk or formula until your baby turns one.
Still Have Questions?
Many parents ask about combining foods, feeding schedules, or how to manage solids without teeth. We’ve answered the top 8 follow-up questions in our latest video—be sure to watch and subscribe!
Watch now:
Have questions? Please call to schedule a visit with us.
Dr. Lavanya Sithanandam
Medical Director, Park Pediatrics
