When can babies start solids? The evidence-based answer
Most babies are developmentally ready for complementary foods at about 6 months. Readiness cues (below) should guide your timing more than the calendar. For official guidance, see the CDC on when, what, and how to introduce solids and the AAP’s tips for introducing solid foods. These are the clearest references to anchor the question when can babies start solids.
Readiness checklist for when can babies start solids (tick ≥ 4 of 5)
- Sits with support and shows steady head/neck control.
- Loss of tongue-thrust reflex (doesn’t automatically push food out).
- Shows interest in food: opens mouth, leans forward, watches you eat.
- Grasps toys/food and brings them purposefully to the mouth.
- Still hungry despite usual milk feeds (wet/dirty diaper norms still met).
When several cues line up, you have your personal answer to when can babies start solids for your child.
BLW vs puree: how families actually start
Baby-led weaning (BLW) lets babies self-feed soft, graspable foods; purée (puree) uses spoon-feeding and gradual texture steps. Many families go hybrid: thin purees in week one, then quick progress to thicker textures and soft finger foods. There isn’t one “right” method—supervision, safe textures, and readiness matter most. If you’re asking when can babies start solids with BLW or with puree, the timing is the same: readiness around six months.
First foods that matter (nutrients that move the needle)
- Iron sources: iron-fortified infant cereal (oat/barley), mashed beans/lentils, very soft shredded meats, tofu.
- Zinc & protein: beans, meats, plain yogurt (pasteurized), tofu.
- Vitamin C boosters: mashed berries, mango, peeled orange segments to aid iron absorption.
- Healthy fats: avocado, thinned nut/seed butters, a drizzle of olive oil on purees.
- Fiber & variety: soft veggies (sweet potato, squash, broccoli florets) and fruits (pear, banana), whole-grain cereals.
Introducing allergens (including peanut): simple & early
Evidence supports early, safe introduction of common allergens—especially peanut—right around the time when babies start solids, with adjustments for eczema risk and other conditions. For most infants, offer thinned, age-appropriate peanut forms (e.g., peanut powder mixed into cereal or yogurt). See the NIAID peanut allergy prevention parent summary (PDF). Families often ask when can babies start solids with allergens; the short answer is “at solids start,” unless your pediatrician advises a different plan.
Choking vs gagging: safety rules you’ll actually use
- Upright posture: use a supportive high chair; avoid reclined feeding positions.
- Textures: soft, mashable with gentle pressure; finger foods cut to about adult-finger length; avoid hard/round items.
- No honey before 12 months: honey can contain spores that cause infant botulism (see CDC). Keep the focus on readiness and the practical side of when can babies start solids.
- Avoid chokables: whole nuts, popcorn, hard raw carrots, whole grapes (quarter lengthwise), big globs of nut butter.
- Supervise & go slow: start with 1–2 teaspoons/tablespoons; watch hunger/fullness cues. See CDC guidance on how much and how often.
7-day starter plan (week one, mix & match)
Use this flexible template. Keep milk feeds as usual; solids are practice in week one. Offer small sips of water (2–4 oz/day) in an open or straw cup if your pediatrician agrees. The plan below assumes you’ve confirmed when can babies start solids for your child based on readiness cues.
| Day | Iron Base | Veg/Fruit | Allergen Practice | Texture Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iron-fortified oat cereal (thin) | Mashed pear | — | Start thin → thicken as tolerated |
| 2 | Mashed lentils | Avocado | — | Soft mash, no hard chunks |
| 3 | Tofu mash | Mashed sweet potato | Thinned peanut (¼ tsp powder) | Blend peanut into cereal/yogurt |
| 4 | Very soft shredded chicken | Steamed broccoli floret | — | BLW option: finger-size pieces |
| 5 | Iron cereal (thicker) | Mango mash | Egg (well-cooked, mashed) | Add a drizzle of olive oil |
| 6 | Mashed beans (black/white) | Banana | Dairy (plain yogurt) | Watch for skin/mucus reactions |
| 7 | Tofu or turkey | Crushed berries | Peanut repeat (½ tsp powder) | Repeat accepted foods, 1–2×/day |
Sample routine (milk + solids)
For week one, aim for one small solids session daily, then build to two. Keep breast milk or formula as the primary nutrition source. Many babies do well with feeds every 2–3 hours (about 3 meals + 2–3 snacks after 9–10 months), increasing textures as skills improve. Bottom line: the answer to when can babies start solids is readiness plus gradual, supervised practice—not a date on the calendar.
What to avoid (the short list)
- Honey before 12 months (infant botulism risk).
- Unpasteurized juices/milks/cheeses (foodborne illness risk).
- Whole cow’s milk as a drink before 12 months (tiny amounts in recipes are fine).
- Added sugars and excess salt; keep flavors simple and textures safe.
Helpful non-sales resources
Related guides on BudgetParenting
- Best Budget High Chairs — stable seating supports posture and safe swallowing.
- Best Budget Baby Bottles — helpful while milk remains primary.
- Best Budget Bottle Sterilizers — hygiene still matters in the first year.
FAQ
Conclusion
Readiness at ~6 months is your true starting line.
Match the timing to clear signs of readiness, prioritize iron-rich and safe-texture first foods, and introduce key allergens—especially peanut—early and safely. Use the 7-day starter plan as a flexible template, keep milk feeds primary, and supervise every session. When in doubt, lean on CDC/AAP guidance and your pediatrician’s advice.