Signs Your baby Is ready
Most babies are ready to start solid foods around 4–6 months of age. Before starting, look for signs that your baby is developmentally ready. If you are unsure, speak with your pediatrician.
Look for these developmental milestones before introducing solids:
Good head and neck control – your baby can hold their head steady and upright.
Sitting ability – able to sit with minimal support in a high chair or feeding seat.
Loss of tongue-thrust reflex – can move food to the back of the mouth to swallow instead of pushing it out.
Interest in food – watches others eat, reaches for food, or opens their mouth when food is offered.
Some babies may also begin rolling over and showing increased curiosity about mealtimes.
How to start solids
Begin with one meal per day, often breakfast.
Offer one new food every 2–3 days so you can watch for signs of allergy or intolerance.
Start with small amounts (1–2 teaspoons) and gradually increase as tolerated.
Foods should be soft, mashed, pureed, or finely minced to reduce choking risk.
Recommended first foods
Focus on nutrient-rich foods, especially those high in iron and zinc, including:
Iron-fortified infant cereals (such as single-grain cereals)
Pureed or soft-cooked vegetables
Beans or lentils
Pureed meats, poultry, or fish
Eggs
Whole grains
Many families choose to introduce foods in this order:
Cereals and grains
Vegetables
Eggs and peanut products
Meats and proteins
Fruits
Starting vegetables before sweeter fruits may help babies become more accepting of savory flavors.
Introducing allergens
Current recommendations support introducing common allergens early, around 4–6 months, once your baby has tolerated a few other foods. Early introduction may help reduce the risk of developing food allergies.
Common allergens include:
Peanut products (thinned peanut butter or peanut powder mixed into food)
Eggs
Dairy
Soy
Wheat
Fish
Introduce allergenic foods one at a time and monitor for reactions.
Watch for allergic reactions
When introducing a food for the first time, watch for:
Rash or hives
Vomiting
Swelling
Wheezing or trouble breathing
Severe diarrhea
If your baby develops any reaction, stop the food and contact your healthcare provider right away.
Additional tips
Avoid adding salt or sugar to baby foods.
Continue breast milk or formula as the primary source of nutrition during the first year.
Avoid honey before 12 months of age.
Always supervise your baby while eating.
