When I first began Domestic Dreamboat, I wrote about making your own baby food for Wisconsin Parent. Now that I’m preparing to introduce solid foods again, I’m revisiting the topic with a practical, up-to-date guide on how to start feeding your baby solids: when they’re ready, what to offer, and the day-to-day logistics. I’ll follow this with a separate post about preparing homemade baby food. For now, here’s what you need to know to begin.

When will your baby be ready for solid foods?

Current guidelines generally recommend starting solids around 6 months. Introducing solids before 4 months is linked with a higher risk of obesity later, while waiting well beyond 6 months can increase the chance of texture aversions. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, but every baby develops differently. Look for these signs that your baby may be ready to taste solids:

Shows interest in food and others eating, possibly reaching for food
Can grasp objects and bring them to their mouth
Holds their head up steadily
Sits up with minimal support
Can move food to the back of the mouth without an immediate tongue-thrust reflex
Indicates fullness by turning away or pushing food away

If your baby meets most of these milestones, appears hungrier than usual, and is over four months old, it’s reasonable to consider starting solids.

What type of solid foods should I feed my baby?

Feeding advice is more flexible now than in the past, but because iron stores in breastfed babies typically decline around six months, beginning with iron-rich foods is a good idea. That can mean iron-fortified single-grain cereals or pureed meats. Other practical guidelines:

Begin with thin, smooth purees without lumps. As your baby tolerates them, gradually increase texture and thickness, then move to soft finger foods.
Avoid homemade purees of spinach, carrots, green beans, squash, or beets for infants under six months due to possible nitrate content; commercially prepared versions have been tested and are considered safe.
Serve plain foods—no added salt or sugar. Babies do not need seasonings.
Introducing allergenic foods (dairy, eggs, nuts, fish) earlier rather than delaying may reduce allergy risk. If there’s a family history of allergies, introduce these foods carefully and watch for reactions.
Steer clear of choking hazards: whole nuts, popcorn, hard raw vegetables, large globs of sticky foods (like thick peanut butter), and chewy candies.
Never give honey to infants under one year because of the risk of botulism.

What should my baby drink?

Once solids begin at about six months, offer small amounts of water in a cup to help them practice drinking. Many babies take time and experimentation with cups before they accept one. Continue breastmilk or formula as the primary source of nutrition until 12 months; whole cow’s milk is usually introduced after the first birthday. Avoid juice for young babies; if offered later, keep it diluted and rare—more of a treat than a daily drink.

How do I go about introducing solid foods?

Starting solids can be a juggling act, especially for families with older children or caregivers involved. There’s no single correct method, but these practical pointers will help make the transition smoother:

Begin with one solid meal per day, offering about a tablespoon or less. After your baby tolerates that, add a second meal and then a third. By 12 months, aim for three solid meals and regular snacks.
Keep breastfeeding or bottle-feeding routines the same when you start solids. As solid intake increases, breast or bottle feeds will naturally decrease.
Choose feeding times when your baby is comfortable—not overly hungry or too full—and when you can minimize distractions. Many caregivers avoid starting solids right before bedtime, though schedules vary. Consistency in timing helps establish routine.
Introduce one new food every few days and watch for reactions. Spacing new foods helps identify any cause if an allergic response occurs.
Use baby-specific spoons, which are smaller and softer, to reduce gagging and make feeding more pleasant for your infant.

Introducing solids is a gradual process that varies by baby. Stay patient, offer a variety of textures and flavors over time, and consult your pediatrician with any concerns. I’ll post next about easy ways to make homemade baby food so you can offer fresh, nutritious options at home.