Because every baby has their moment — and it’s often messier (and cuter) than you think.
There’s something so special about that moment: your baby, sitting in their highchair, staring curiously at a spoonful of something that isn’t milk. Maybe they reach for it. Maybe they squish it between their fingers. Maybe they wear it like a hat. Welcome to the world of starting solids — one of the messiest, funniest, and most exciting milestones in babyhood.
But as with everything in parenting, the big question is: when? Is your baby actually ready to start solids, or just teething on anything that fits in their mouth?
Every baby is unique, but there are a few reliable signs that tell you it’s time to introduce that very first taste of something new. Here's what to look for — and what to offer when you're both ready.
How to Know When Your Baby’s Ready for Solids
Around 6 months is often the general guideline, but age alone isn’t the only factor. Readiness is about development, not just the calendar. Here are five signs that your baby might be ready to take their first bites:
1. They Can Sit Up (With Good Head Control)
Solid foods require posture. If your baby can sit in a high chair with their head held steady, that’s a great sign. Wobbly necks and floppy bodies mean swallowing can still be tricky, and it's best to wait a little longer.
2. They’ve Lost the Tongue-Thrust Reflex
In younger babies, anything put in the mouth is often immediately pushed out with the tongue. That’s a protective reflex, and when it starts to fade, your baby is more likely to actually swallow the food rather than push it back out.
3. They’re Interested in What You’re Eating
You’ll know it when you see it — the intense stare while you're eating, the little hands reaching toward your plate, or mimicking your chewing. Curiosity is a clear cue that your baby wants in on the action.
4. They’re Still Hungry After Full Milk Feeds
If your baby is finishing their usual bottle or breastfeeding session and still seems hungry (but not just comfort nursing), it could mean they’re ready for a little extra nourishment.
5. They Can Pick Things Up and Bring Them to Their Mouth
This is more of a baby-led weaning sign, but it also shows coordination and oral interest — both helpful when starting solids, whether you're spoon-feeding or letting baby explore soft finger foods.
What to Try First: Gentle, Simple, and Mess-Friendly
Once your baby’s showing those signs of readiness, it’s time to explore! Start with one new food at a time, give it a few days before introducing the next, and keep an eye on any allergic reactions (especially with dairy, eggs, or peanuts).
Here are a few easy, baby-friendly first foods to get you started:
🥑 Mashed Avocado
Soft, creamy, and full of healthy fats. No cooking required — just mash and serve. It’s nature’s baby food.
🍠 Steamed Sweet Potato
Naturally sweet and full of fiber. Steam until very soft and mash or puree with a little breastmilk or formula.
🍌 Banana Mash
Another easy, no-cook option. Bananas are gentle on the stomach and loved by most babies. Bonus: they’re easy to take on the go.
🥣 Baby Oatmeal
Iron-fortified oats made with water, breastmilk, or formula. Great for filling little tummies and adding mix-ins like fruit puree later on.
🍎 Applesauce or Pear Puree
Cooked fruit purees are a soft and sweet way to introduce flavor. Start plain — no added sugar or spices — and adjust as baby grows.
A Few Gentle Reminders for First-Time Feeders
This is a new chapter — not a replacement for milk. At first, your baby’s diet is still mostly breastmilk or formula, with solids as a gentle addition. Let them go at their own pace. Some days they’ll gobble it up, other days they’ll barely touch it — both are okay.
Expect messes. Expect funny faces. Expect food in the hair, on the tray, on the floor — and somehow in your sock. But also expect magic. That first “mmmm,” the first time they actually swallow, the first moment you realize: they’re learning. They’re growing. And you’re doing a great job.
Final Spoonful
Starting solids is less about perfection and more about exploration. Trust your instincts. Follow your baby’s cues. And when in doubt — keep it simple, keep it soft, and keep the camera nearby.
Here’s to first bites, tiny spoons, and messy, memorable moments.