When Should I Start My Baby on Solid Foods?

 Typically, babies are ready to start solid foods around six months. There will be numerous signs they can eat solids and you’ll need some useful equipment to help them get started.

As a new parent, it’s always good to have some idea when your baby requires a change in routine. One of the most common questions parents ask is when they should start feeding their baby solid foods.

Introducing your baby to solids is known as weaning or complementary feeding. Ideally, most babies should start on solids when they are six months old.

Don’t worry if your baby does not eat too many solids at the beginning, it’s more important to acclimatize them to eating solids in the first place.

Your baby will still get all the nutrients and energy they require from formula or breast milk. However, providing a selection of healthy foods alongside formula or breast milk from an early age ensures your child is well-prepared for a healthy diet as they get older.

Gradually, you’ll be able to increase the amount and variety of food your baby eats until they can eat the same foods as the rest of the family, in smaller portions.

If your baby was born prematurely, ask your health visitor or GP for advice on when to start introducing solid foods.

Why Do You Need to Wait for Six Months Before Introducing Solid Foods?

There are several reasons why parents should wait six months before adding solid foods to their baby’s diet. These include:

  • Formula and breast milk provide all the nutrients and energy your baby requires until they reach six months. However, some babies may need more vitamin D, which can be bought as a supplement.
  • If you are breastfeeding, a breast milk-only diet protects your newborn against many illnesses and infections, providing a strong foundation for their immune system.
  • When you wait for six months to give your baby solid foods, you give the child time to develop and cope with solids, including purees, baby rice, and cereals.
  • Your baby will also be better equipped and have the mobility and motor skills to feed themselves. For instance, they’ll have developed stronger muscles in their arms and hand/eye coordination. They’ll also be better at chewing and swallowing, so they’ll be able to progress to various textures and tastes quickly, rather than relying on smooth and blended foods 24/7.
How Do You Know Your Baby Is Ready For Solids?

There are a few signs that your baby is ready for solid foods alongside their first instant formula or breast milk. Typically, they appear at the same time around six months. For example, your baby will be able to do the following:

  • Remain in a seated position and hold their head steady and upright.
  • Coordinate their hands, mouth, and eyes. This is vital to look at their food, pick it up, and eat without assistance.
  • Swallow food without difficulty, rather than spitting it all over themselves.

However, some parents may mistake the following behaviors as a sign their baby is ready to eat solid foods. These include:

  • Biting or sucking on their fists
  • Waking up during the night more than they normally would
  • Wanting additional feeds

These are all perfectly natural behaviors in babies and shouldn’t be taken as an indicator they are hungry or ready for solid foods. In addition, solid foods will not help your baby sleep through the night any more than milk feeds. In fact, an extra milk feed will help them sleep until they are ready for solids.

What Do You Need When Your Baby Starts Eating Solids?

There are a few things you’ll need when your baby starts eating solids. These include:

  • High chair: Your baby will need to be sat upright safely so they can swallow their food. Use a high chair with a secure safety harness and never leave your baby unattended.
  • Pelican or plastic bibs: They say practice makes perfect. Babies need a lot of practice eating solids before they stop making a mess.
  • Soft weaning spoons: These spoons are better for your baby’s sensitive gums.
  • Small weaning bowl: Many parents find it easier to use a weaning bowl with suction cups to keep it in place when feeding their baby.
  • Infant cup: Parents should introduce a cup when their baby starts eating solids and offer water during feeding. Choose an open cup or free-flow cup so your baby learns to sip properly. These types of cups are better for their teeth as well.
  • Messy mats: Use a messy mat or put newspaper sheets under your child’s high chair to catch any mess. It’ll be a while before they can eat without getting their food everywhere!