The transition from exclusive milk feeds to solid foods is a huge milestone—and a messy one! As a postpartum doula, I get more questions about introducing solids than almost any other topic.

When do you start? What foods first? How much? Purees or baby-led weaning? What about allergies?

I'm going to walk you through everything, month-by-month, so you feel confident (and your baby gets the nutrition they need).

When to Start Solids (The 4 Signs)

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends around 6 months. But every baby is different. Look for all four signs:

  1. Head control: Baby can hold head up steadily (no bobbing).
  2. Sitting (with support): Can sit in a high chair / on your lap without toppling over.
  3. Loss of tongue-thrust reflex: When you put a spoon in their mouth, they don't automatically push it out with their tongue.
  4. Interest in food: They're reaching for your food, staring at your plate, opening their mouth when you eat.

💡 Frank's Tip

Don't start before 4 months (even if grandma says "a little rice cereal in the bottle won't hurt"). Baby's gut and kidneys aren't ready. And wait until after any vaccinations (their immune system is busy enough).

Month 6: First Foods (Purees or BLW?)

You have two main approaches. Pick one (or combine them!):

Approach #1: Traditional Purees

Approach #2: Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)

💡 Frank's Tip

If you choose BLW, still offer a spoon sometimes (they need to learn!). And always stay within arm's reach—BLW has a slightly higher choking risk (but not aspiration risk if you follow safe food shapes).

Best First Foods (6 Months)

🥑 Fats & Iron (Priority!)

🥦 Vegetables (Don't Wait!)

Months 7-8: Texture Progression & Allergies

Now you're moving from "tasting" to "eating." Increase texture and variety.

Texture Progression:

Allergy Prevention (New Guidelines!)

Old advice: "Wait until 12 months to introduce allergens (eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish, dairy)."

New advice (AAP + AAAAI): Introduce allergenic foods early (6-9 months) to prevent allergies.

⚠️ Allergy Introduction Protocol

Offer a tiny amount (pinch of peanut butter, lick of scrambled egg) at home (not at daycare/restaurant). Wait 15 minutes. If no reaction (hives, swelling, vomiting), continue offering that food regularly (once a week) to maintain tolerance.

Months 9-10: Table Foods & Self-Feeding

By 9 months, baby should be:

Sample Meals (9-10 Months):

Months 11-12: Transition to Family Meals

Baby is now eating mostly what you eat (minus choking hazards and excessive salt/sugar).

Foods to AVOID Until 12 Months:

Choking vs. Gagging (Know the Difference!)

Gagging: Normal! Baby's gag reflex is far forward in the mouth (to protect airway). They'll cough, make a face, push food out with tongue. Don't panic. Let them work it out.

Choking: Silent, can't breathe/cough. Baby turns blue. Heimlich maneuver for infants (back blows + chest thrusts). Take an infant CPR class before starting solids!

💡 Frank's Tip

Always stay within arm's reach when baby is eating. And never give whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, nuts, popcorn, or hard raw vegetables (carrots, apples) without modifying them (grate, steam, or cut into quarters).

You've Got This! 💪

Introducing solids is messy, scary, and exciting. But remember:

Need personalized feeding guidance? Book a Care Plan consultation and let's create a customized feeding roadmap for your baby.

👨💼

Written by Frank

Frank is a certified postpartum doula (DONA) and lactation counselor (CLC) with 8+ years of experience. He's guided hundreds of families through the transition to solids—and the mess that comes with it!