Introducing Solids: When and How to Start Your Baby’s First Foods
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Your baby’s first solid foods are a big milestone — exciting and a little nerve-racking!
When babies are ready, solids help them explore new tastes, textures, and skills.
Here’s a simple guide to get started with confidence.
✅ When to Start Solids
Most babies are ready around 6 months old.
Watch for these readiness signs:
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Sits up with support
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Good head and neck control
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Shows interest in your food
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Opens mouth when offered a spoon
If unsure, check with your pediatrician!
✅ First Foods to Try
Start with soft and easy-to-digest options:
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Single-ingredient purees (sweet potato, avocado, pear)
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Iron-rich foods (oat cereal, lentils)
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Soft mashed fruits and veggies
Try one new food at a time.
✅ How to Serve Safely
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Begin with 1–2 teaspoons once a day
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Feed after milk (not before!)
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Make sure food is smooth and lump-free
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Avoid salt, sugar, honey, and cow’s milk
Solids are for practice — breast milk or formula still comes first!
✅ Watch for Allergies
Introduce potential allergens early but carefully:
🥚 Eggs
🐟 Fish
🥜 Peanut (in safe forms)
Wait 3 days before introducing a new allergen.
⭐ Parent Pro Tips
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Expect a mess — bibs and wipes are your friends!
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Celebrate small bites — this is a learning experience
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Follow baby’s pace — smiles, curiosity, and sometimes funny faces 💛
Your baby’s food journey is a beautiful adventure — enjoy every milestone and every tiny spoonful ✨