When Can My Baby Eat Solid Food?

A baby's first year of life is full of all sorts of milestones, including the big transition to solid foods. You may be wondering when the best time is to introduce your baby to "real" food, especially if they seem interested in sampling what's on your plate! We consulted experts to learn more about the right timeline to begin, what foods to start with, and some key signs to look out for that may indicate your baby is ready to try solid food. Read on for everything you need to know about when to start your baby on solids!

Timeline for Starting Solid Food, According to Experts

When it comes to the "right" time for this transition, guidance has gone back and forth over the past few decades regarding when babies should eat solid foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says to wait until your baby is 6 months if you're exclusively breastfeeding, while the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) says 4 to 6 months is okay. Most pediatricians and pediatric dietitians agree babies can start solids between 4 to 6 months, depending on their readiness.

The AAP points out that although most babies are ready to begin transitioning to solid foods around 6 months, that doesn't mean all babies are. Babies reach developmental milestones at their own pace, so don't hurry the process.

That said, experts advise parents not to start solids any earlier than 4 months. "It provides no benefit and can cause harm, including the increased risk of later weight problems, food allergies, and more risk of choking," says Natalie Muth, MD, a pediatrician, co-author of The Picky Eater Project, and member of the Parents expert review board.

On the flipside, you should also be careful not to start solids too late. After 6 months, breast milk or formula alone may no longer be able to meet the nutrient needs of infants, so complementary foods can help. Solids also introduce babies to textures and flavors, which help them become more adventurous in the future.

If you think your baby is ready to try solid foods, make sure to start slow and don't abandon their nursing schedule. The AAP encourages parents of breastfed babies to continue nursing for as long as they want, or until 2 years or more. Be sure to consult a pediatrician or health care provider for further guidance about your baby's readiness and nutritional needs.

Is Your Baby Ready for Solid Food?

How can you know if your baby is ready for solids? Follow their cues, says Dina DiMaggio, MD, a pediatrician from New York City and co-author of The Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers.

Most babies show signs of readiness between 5 to 6 months. That's because, developmentally, their bodies and brains are getting ready to take those first bites of solid food. But before they can, a few big milestones must happen first.

Signs your baby is ready to eat solids

If you're unsure if your baby is ready for solids—or if you're nervous to start and want to know what the concrete signs of readiness look like, watch your child for the following.

• They have good head control. Even if your baby can't quite sit up on their own yet, they need to be able to hold their head up to start eating solids.
• They can sit up with support.
• They can bring objects to their mouth.
• They are physically able to swallow food, rather than pushing it out of their mouth.
• They show interest in trying solid food. "When your baby is staring at you while you are eating and trying to grab your food, it's a good sign it's time to start solids," Dr. DiMaggio says.

What Solid Foods Should I Feed My Baby?

While fortified infant cereals are a common choice for your baby's first solid food, they don't need to be the only option. Pureed meats, vegetables, and fruits can also be good choices. The answer might also depend on whether you decide on baby-led weaning or the traditional spoon-feeding approach.

You may have heard that parents should offer vegetables first in efforts to prevent your child from only preferring sweet fruits; however, that's a myth that has never been tested. "There is no proof that veggies work best. But we do know that it's important to expose babies to a variety of flavors, not just the sweet they already love," adds Natalia Stasenko, MS, RD, a London-based pediatric dietitian and co-author of Real Baby Food.

When deciding what foods to choose from, you might consider some of the below. Note: All food should be in pureed or mashed form, and consider mixing and matching flavors!

• Fortified baby cereal, like oatmeal
• Banana
• Sweet potato
• Apple
• Green beans
• Spinach
• Butternut squash
• Pureed meats
• Beans
• Kale mixed with berries
• Carrots
• Pears

What to Know About Allergies and Solid Foods

When it comes to being mindful of potential food allergies, the AAAAI suggests waiting three to five days between each new food you offer your child. This way, you can easily identify the food that might be triggering an allergic reaction. The organization also notes that if your baby has a sibling or biological parent with a food allergy, they are at an increased risk of developing one. So, be sure to watch their reactions to foods closely and space out the introduction of new foods, especially if allergies are a concern in your family.

Potential signs of food allergy reactions in infants include:

• Swelling
• Increased gas
• Rash around their mouth or anus
• Diarrhea
• Runny nose or eyes
• Unusual crankiness
• Hives
• Vomiting
• Coughing (which can be a sign of throat swelling)
• Anaphylaxis

If you find yourself with lingering questions about starting solids, your baby's developmental needs, or allergy concerns, be sure to consult a pediatrician, pediatric nutritionist, or health care provider.