A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Solids: When and How to Begin
Quick Answer
Start solid foods (weaning/complementary feeding) at around 6 months of age, when your baby shows signs of readiness - not before 4 months or after 8-9 months. Breastmilk or formula (like NAN, Lactogen, Similac, Aptamil) continues to be the primary nutrition source until age 1 - solids are supplementary at first. Don't worry if your baby eats very little initially; the first few months are about exploration and learning, not nutrition.
When to Start Solids: Signs of Readiness
Watch: Solid Food Introduction for Babies: Complete Guide to Starting Solids at 6 Months! #solidstarts
Baby is Ready When They Can:
Sit with minimal support - Good head and neck control
Show interest in food - Watches you eat, reaches for food
Open mouth when food approaches - Anticipates feeding
Lost tongue-thrust reflex - Doesn't push food out automatically
Coordinate swallowing - Can move food to back of mouth
Age Guidelines
Age
Recommendation
Before 4 months
**Never** - digestive system not ready
4-6 months
Only if doctor advises (rare situations)
Around 6 months
**Ideal time** - WHO/IAP recommendation
After 8-9 months
May have difficulty accepting solids
Important: The 6-month mark is based on developmental readiness, not a fixed date. Some babies may be ready a week or two earlier/later.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Solids
Step 1: Prepare for Weaning
What you need:
Small bowl and spoon (silicone or soft plastic)
High chair or feeding seat
Bibs (lots of them!)
Patient mindset - this is messy business!
Before the first feed:
Continue breastmilk/formula as usual
Choose a time when baby is alert but not too hungry
Morning or early afternoon works best
Step 2: First Foods (Day 1-7)
Start with single-ingredient purees:
Food
Why It's Good
How to Prepare
Ragi (nachni)
Iron-rich, Indian staple
Porridge with breastmilk/formula
Rice cereal
Easy to digest
Mix with breastmilk/formula
Banana
Natural sweetness, soft
Mash with fork
Sweet potato
Vitamin A, mild taste
Steam and mash
Dal water
Protein, familiar taste
Strain cooked moong dal
Day 1: Offer 1-2 teaspoons after a milk feed
Days 2-4: Same food, gradually increase to 2-3 teaspoons
Days 5-7: Watch for any reaction, then introduce new food
Step 3: Expand Variety (Week 2-4)
3-Day Wait Rule: Introduce one new food at a time and wait 3 days before introducing another to identify any allergies.
Eat together - Babies learn by watching family eat
Stay calm with mess - It's part of learning!
Foods to Avoid Before 1 Year
Food
Reason
Honey
Risk of botulism
Cow's milk (as main drink)
Hard to digest
Salt
Kidneys can't process
Sugar
Creates sweet preference
Whole nuts
Choking hazard
Fruit juices
High sugar, low nutrition
Processed foods
Preservatives, additives
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Starting too early (before 4 months) - Digestive system not ready
Starting too late (after 8-9 months) - May resist textures
Replacing milk feeds too quickly - Milk is still primary nutrition
Adding salt/sugar - Harmful for baby's kidneys and health
Forcing feeds - Creates negative association with food
Giving honey - Risk of infant botulism
Too many new foods at once - Can't identify allergies
Only sweet foods first - Creates preference, harder to accept vegetables
Dealing with Picky Eaters
Remember: Some pickiness is normal and developmental!
Strategies:
Offer rejected food again after few days
Mix new foods with accepted foods
Let baby self-feed finger foods
Make mealtimes pleasant, not pressured
Eat together as family when possible
Offer variety but don't overwhelm
When to Consult a Doctor
See your pediatrician if:
Baby refuses all solids for more than 3-4 weeks after turning 6 months
Severe gagging or choking episodes
Signs of food allergy:
Rash or hives
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Swelling of face/lips
Poor weight gain despite adequate feeding
Baby shows no interest in food by 8 months
You're unsure about baby's readiness
Expert Insight: As Dr. Sumitra says, 'Fed is best. Formula is a completely valid choice and provides excellent nutrition.'
FAQs
Q: My baby is 5.5 months and very interested in food. Can I start early?
A: If baby shows all readiness signs (sitting with support, lost tongue thrust, interest in food) and your pediatrician agrees, you may start a week or two before 6 months. However, never before 4 months as the digestive system isn't ready. When in doubt, wait until 6 months.
Q: Baby only wants breastmilk and spits out all food. Is this normal?
A: Yes, very normal! Breastmilk is familiar and comforting. Keep offering solids without pressure. Try different times of day, different textures, and let baby play with food. Most babies gradually accept solids. If refusal continues beyond 3-4 weeks, consult your pediatrician.
Q: Should I reduce formula when starting solids?
A: Not immediately. For the first month of solids, continue the same formula feeds. As baby eats more solids (by 8-9 months), some milk feeds may naturally decrease. Target 600-800ml breastmilk/formula daily until 12 months. Formula provides essential nutrition that early solids can't replace.
Q: Can I give store-bought baby food or should I make fresh?
A: Homemade is preferred - it's fresher, cheaper, and you control ingredients. However, good-quality store-bought foods (Nestle Cerelac, Slurrp Farm, etc.) can be convenient occasionally. Check labels for no added salt/sugar. Avoid relying on them daily.
Q: My mother-in-law wants to give janam ghutti and cerelac at 3 months. How do I handle this?
A: This is a common concern! Explain that medical guidelines have changed - starting solids before 6 months increases risk of allergies, digestive problems, and infections. Share that WHO, IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics), and your doctor recommend waiting until 6 months. You can involve your pediatrician in the discussion if needed.
Q: What if baby has constipation after starting solids?
A: Some constipation is common when starting solids. Try: offering water between feeds, giving fiber-rich foods (papaya, prunes, pear), avoiding too much banana/apple, ensuring adequate breastmilk/formula, and gentle tummy massage. If constipation persists, consult your pediatrician.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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