Introducing Solid Foods – When and How Should I Start?
When should I start introducing solid foods to my baby?
Short answer: Not before 6 months of age - corrected age if the baby was born prematurely.
In more detail:
WHO and UNICEF recommend:
- early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth;
- exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life; and
- introduction of nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at 6 months together with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond.
from the website of the World Health Organization (WHO.int)
Food Introduction
- Introduce solid foods around 6 months of age
- Expose baby to a wide variety of healthy foods
- Also offer a variety of textures
Introduction to solids prior to 4 months is associated with increased weight gain and adiposity, both in infancy and early childhood.
from the website of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP.org)
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend introducing children to foods other than breast milk or infant formula at about 6 months.
from the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov)
When is a baby ready for solid foods (signs of readiness)?
Short answer: At least 6 months of age (corrected age if the baby was born prematurely), able to sit relatively independently without pillows or any kind of support, and showing all developmental signs of readiness (see the detailed article for more information).
Knowing when your child is ready for foods other than breast milk or infant formula:
Your child can begin eating solid foods at about 6 months. Introducing foods before 4 months is not recommended. Every child is different. You can look for these signs that your child is developmentally ready to begin eating food.
Your child:
✅ Sits up alone or with support.
✅ Can control their head and neck.
✅ Opens their mouth when you offer food.
✅ Swallows food rather than pushes it back out onto their chin.
✅ Brings objects to their mouth.
✅ Tries to grasp small objects, such as toys or food.
✅ Transfers food from the front to the back of their tongue to swallow
from the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov)
Should we feed the baby ourselves or let them feed themselves?
Short answer: Let them feed themselves.
Foster Self-feeding
- Babies are encouraged to use spoons and fingers to feed themselves
- Babies are encouraged to drink from a cup starting at 6 months of age
- Parents recognize hunger and satiety cues
Evidence
- Babies have an innate ability to self-regulate their food.
- Responsive feeding helps foster self-regulation.
from the website of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP.org)
When should I offer solid food - before or after breast milk/formula?
Short answer: Breastfeed your baby before offering other foods.
How to start solids:
Nurse your baby before offering other foods. Your milk remains the single most important food in your baby’s diet until their first birthday. Additionally, your baby is more likely to show interest in new foods if they are not ravenously hungry. At this age, other foods are more for experimentation, play and fun. Remember to offer to nurse again after the solid “meal”.
from the website of La Leche League International (llli.org)
And to learn how introducing solid foods continues and when the baby gradually starts reducing milk in favor of solid foods, read this article: Replacing Milk Feedings with Solid Food – When and How?
* Most of these materials are sourced from original English-language sources. The translations were created with the help of Google Translate and ChatGPT. For the most complete and accurate information, please always refer to and verify the original source first. For the most complete and accurate information, please always refer to and verify the original source of the information.
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