Starting Solid Foods: When, What, and How

Starting solids is an exciting milestone. Here's how to do it safely.

When to Start

Around 6 months, when baby can sit with support, has good head control, shows interest in food, and has lost tongue-thrust reflex.

What to Start With

• Iron-fortified baby cereal
• Single-ingredient purees (sweet potato, avocado, banana)
• Introduce one new food every 3-5 days to watch for allergies

Baby-Led Weaning vs. Purees

BLW: Soft finger foods from the start. Baby self-feeds. Messier but builds independence.

Traditional: Start with purees, progress to textures. More controlled, easier to track intake.

Common Allergens

Introduce early (around 6 months): peanuts, eggs, dairy, wheat, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, soy. Early introduction may reduce allergy risk.