When to Start Baby on Solids? A Mom’s Guide to First Foods

When to Start Baby on Solids? A Mom’s Guide to First Foods As your baby grows, one of the biggest milestones you’ll experience is introducing solid foods! But when is the right time to start? What foods should you introduce first? If you’re feeling unsure, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Here’s everything you need to know about starting your baby on solids. Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solids

Experts recommend introducing solids around 4 to 6 months of age, but it’s not just about age—every baby is different. Look for these signs of readiness:

✔️ Can sit up with minimal support 

✔️ Shows interest in food (watches you eat, reaches for food) 

✔️ Opens mouth when a spoon is offered 

✔️ Has lost the tongue-thrust reflex (doesn’t automatically push food out) 

✔️ Can swallow food instead of just sucking

If your baby isn’t showing these signs yet, wait a little longer! Starting solids too early can lead to digestion issues, while waiting too long may cause feeding difficulties later on.

Best First Foods for Your Baby

Once your baby is ready, start with single-ingredient foods that are easy to digest. Here are some great first foods to introduce:

🥑 Mashed Avocado – Packed with healthy fats for brain development. 

🍠 Pureed Sweet Potato – A gentle, naturally sweet option that babies love. 

🍏 Steamed Apples/Pears – Mild and easy to digest. 

🥣 Baby Rice Cereal – Fortified with iron, which babies need around 6 months. 

🥕 Carrot Puree – A smooth and nutritious starter.

How to Introduce Solids

• Start with one food at a time, waiting 3-5 days before introducing a new one to watch for allergies.

• Begin with a thin consistency (mix with breast milk or formula) and gradually make it thicker.

• Offer small amounts (1-2 teaspoons) and increase as your baby gets used to eating.

• Feed your baby in an upright position to prevent choking.

Foods to Avoid in the Beginning

🚫 Honey – Can cause infant botulism. 

🚫 Cow’s Milk – Hard to digest for babies under 1 year old. 

🚫 Salt & Sugar – Their tiny kidneys can’t handle too much sodium, and sugar can lead to poor eating habits.

 🚫 Whole Nuts & Choking Hazards – Always serve food in a mashed or pureed form.

Common Myths About Starting Solids

❌ “Starting solids earlier will help my baby sleep through the night.”

• Not necessarily! Poor sleep is often due to other factors like sleep cycles or teething.

❌ “Babies need fruit juice.”

• Not true! Fruit juice is high in sugar and unnecessary. Stick to pureed fruits instead.

Making Mealtime Enjoyable

Mealtime should be fun and stress-free! Here are a few tips to make the experience enjoyable for both you and your baby:

• Let your baby explore textures (yes, it’s messy, but it’s part of learning!).

• Eat together so your baby can watch and learn from you.

• Don’t force food—follow your baby’s cues.

• Keep trying! If your baby rejects a food, try again in a few days.

Final Thoughts

Starting solids is a big milestone, but it doesn’t have to be complicated! Pay attention to your baby’s cues, start with simple, nutrient-dense foods, and enjoy the process of introducing new flavors. Every baby is different, so trust your instincts and have fun watching your little one explore the world of food!

Need support on your motherhood journey? Stay tuned for more helpful tips from Clookies—we’re here for you every step of the way! 💕