Most babies are ready for solids around 6 months, when they can sit with support, hold their head steady, and show interest in food.
Signs of readiness
- Good head and neck control
- Sitting upright with little support
- Reaching for or watching your food
- Losing the tongue-thrust reflex
Progressing textures
Start with soft, smooth, or well-mashed foods, then move toward lumpier textures and soft finger foods as your baby practices. Exposure to varied textures early supports acceptance later.
Allergens
Current guidance encourages introducing common allergens (such as peanut and egg, in age-appropriate forms) early and regularly, unless your clinician advises otherwise. Introduce one new food at a time and watch for reactions.
Go at your baby's pace. Mess is part of learning.
Related resources
- 100 First Foods for Babies
A printable checklist of 100 first foods to offer your baby, grouped by food type, so you can track variety in the first year.
- Allergen Introduction Tracker for Babies
A printable tracker for introducing the common food allergens to your baby — record what you offered, when, and how your baby responded.