So, your baby is growing, and you’re wondering, Is it time for solids? If you’re feeling a mix of excitement, confusion, and maybe even a little panic—you’re not alone!
Introducing solid foods is a huge milestone, and like most parenting decisions, everyone seems to have an opinion. Your mum might say, “We started at three months, and you turned out fine!” while your paediatrician insists on waiting until six months. Then there’s the internet, overflowing with conflicting advice.
Take a deep breath. You’ve got this! Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense—when to start, what to feed, and how to make this transition smooth (and as mess-free as possible!).
Oh, and if you prefer to listen, check out our podcast episode, Introducing Solids: When and How to Start on Spotify, where we chat about what works (and what doesn’t!). ?
When Should You Start Solids?
The general rule? Around six months.
At this age, your baby’s digestive system is more mature, and they’re ready to explore the world of food beyond breast milk or formula. But don’t just go by the calendar—look for these signs that your little one is ready:
✅ Sits up with good head control – No more bobblehead action. They should be able to sit upright (even with a little support).
✅ Shows interest in food – Are they watching you eat like a tiny food critic? Reaching for your plate? Smacking their lips? That’s a clue!
✅ Loses the tongue-thrust reflex – If your baby automatically pushes food out with their tongue, they’re not ready yet.
✅ Can grasp objects and bring them to their mouth – Because self-feeding is coming soon!
If your baby isn’t showing these signs yet, don’t stress. Every child develops at their own pace. Just keep an eye out, and when they’re ready, you’ll know.
What Should You Feed Your Baby First?
You’ll hear a lot of talk about what the perfect first food is. Truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Some cultures start with rice cereal, others with mashed veggies, and some jump straight to soft finger foods (hello, baby-led weaning!).
Here are some great first foods:
? Avocado – Creamy, nutritious, and packed with good fats for brain development.
? Sweet potato – Naturally sweet and loaded with vitamins.
? Banana – Soft, easy to mash, and a favourite for most babies.
? Scrambled eggs – A great source of protein and iron (yes, you can introduce allergens early—more on that below!
? Pureed chicken or lentils – Iron is super important at this stage, and these are excellent sources.
Start with single-ingredient foods so you can watch for any reactions. Once your baby gets the hang of eating, you can start mixing flavours.
How to Introduce Solids Without the Stress
Here’s a simple, no-fuss approach to getting started:
1️⃣ Pick a relaxed time – Avoid introducing solids when your baby is overtired or cranky. Mornings or midday often work best.
2️⃣ Start small – A teaspoon or two is plenty in the beginning. Don’t expect them to eat much—it’s about exploration, not nutrition (yet!).
3️⃣ Go slow – Offer one new food at a time, waiting 3-5 days before introducing another. This helps you spot any allergies.
4️⃣ Make it fun! – Smile, talk to them, and let them play with their food (yes, it will get messy, but that’s part of the learning process!).
5️⃣ Keep offering breast milk or formula – Solids are just a bonus for now. The real nutrition still comes from milk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
? Starting too early – Before four months can increase allergy risks and digestive issues.
? Waiting too long – Delaying beyond seven months may make it harder for babies to accept new textures.
? Giving honey – Babies under one year should never have honey (it can cause botulism, which is serious!).
? Forcing food – If they’re not interested, try again later. No battles needed!
? Skipping allergens – Research now shows that introducing allergens early and often (like peanut butter, eggs, and dairy) can lower the risk of allergies. Start with tiny amounts and watch for reactions.
What If My Baby Refuses Solids?
It’s totally normal for babies to be uninterested (or downright disgusted) at first. Some might take to food instantly, while others need multiple tries before they accept it.
Try these tricks:
? Change up the texture – Some babies prefer purees, while others like a chunkier mash or soft finger foods.
? Eat together – Babies love to mimic! Seeing you eat makes them more curious about food.
? Offer, but don’t push – Keep it stress-free. If they refuse today, try again tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Starting solids is messy, fun, and a little unpredictable—but don’t overthink it. Your baby will eat when they’re ready, and you’ll figure it out together. If your baby refuses to eat on the first try, don’t stress—it’s totally normal! Babies need time to get used to new flavours and textures. Instead of giving up, keep offering the food in a relaxed, no-pressure way. It can take at least 15 tries before they accept something new, so patience is key. One day, they might turn their nose up at sweet potatoes, and the next, they’ll be grabbing for more. Just keep going—you’ve got this! ?
Want to hear from an expert about what works? Tune into our podcast, Introducing Solids: When and How to Start, on Spotify! We cover all your burning questions.
“Don’t go through mumming alone.”
FK Jesuyode
Founder, 5StarMums
