Between around four and six months, your baby's nutritional needs start to change. You might notice your baby becoming more curious about food and watching closely while you eat. This is often a sign it's time to introduce solid food.
When is your baby ready for solids?
For the first six months, breast milk or formula is generally all your baby needs. Between four and six months, your baby may be ready for those first spoonfuls. Watch for these signs:
- Your baby's appetite is increasing.
- Your baby watches curiously while you eat.
- The tongue-thrust reflex (pushing food back out) is fading.
- Your baby can sit upright (with support).
- Your baby can hold their head steady and turn it towards or away from food.
- Your baby opens their mouth for a spoon on their own.
What should you start with?
Solid food is new territory for your baby's gut, which is still developing. Start with light, easily digestible foods, such as a single-grain porridge or puréed fruit and vegetables.
Mix grain porridge with breast milk or formula for a familiar taste, starting thin and gradually thickening it as your baby gets better at swallowing. Puréed sweet potato, apple, banana, peach, or pear tend to go down well thanks to their naturally sweet taste. For an even smoother texture, you can add a little breast milk or formula here too.
Start with one feeding a day, at a calm moment, not when your baby is already hungry. Offer the breast or bottle first, then follow with one or two teaspoons of solid food. Some babies need practice keeping food in their mouth and swallowing; gradually increase the amount as this improves.
Tips for a smooth start
- Pick the right moment: don't start when your baby is already hungry, and wait until they're awake and in a good mood.
- Purée food until smooth to make swallowing easier; a splash of breast milk or formula makes it even smoother.
- Offer, don't force: let your baby open their mouth and lean towards the spoon themselves.
- Take your time: some babies take to it right away, others need more practice. If your baby refuses, calmly try again a few days later.
- Expand gradually: after a few days, add other flavours. Around seven months, you can also move to a chunkier texture, such as mashed food.