Every new parent knows that babies are constantly changing, and we’re not just talking about diapers! As your baby grows, their appetite evolves as well. In the first few months of a baby’s life, parents establish a comfortable routine with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. However, this will transition once your baby is ready to embrace solid foods.

Most infants are ready to explore solid foods between four and six months of age. You can tell your baby is prepared for this next step when they can sit up mostly on their own and display interest in the foods that adults enjoy. This timing also aligns with their loss of the tongue-thrust reflex, which means they’re ready to start tasting soft foods like purees.

Recommended first foods include infant oatmeal with breast milk or single-ingredient pureed options such as avocados, peas, squash, bananas, and apples. Whether you choose store-bought or homemade, purees should have a smooth consistency, like oatmeal.

Start this journey confidently by taking it slow. Allow your baby to get comfortable in their high chair and take small bites from a spoon, providing ample time to rest between bites. As their eating habits advance, you can introduce heartier foods with thicker consistencies, like eggs or mashed fruits and vegetables, typically around six to eight months when they can support their head and neck.

Around nine months of age—about the time a baby brings his or hands to the mouth—parents can begin introducing finger foods that are a bit more complex, such as meats and small pieces of fruit and vegetables. Be sure to make serve portions about the size of a baby’s fingertips to avoid any choking hazards.

Here’s a quick checklist of dos and don’ts to guide you in transitioning your baby to solid foods:

Do’s:

• Be patient and allow your baby to adjust, starting with one-ingredient foods before introducing more complex options. It can take many tries before a baby likes a new food. 
• Select simple, healthy foods free of added spices.
• Create a schedule for your baby’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and snack times in between).
• Tune in to your baby’s cues to gauge how much they want to eat.
• Provide plenty of water in a sippy cup throughout the day.
• Equip yourself with soft, silicone-tipped spoons that are gentle on your baby’s mouth. 
• Consider using plates and bowls with suction cups to minimize mess. But remember, it’s perfectly normal for your baby to get a bit messy—this is part of their learning process!
• After introducing a new food to your baby, make sure they do not have a reaction such as diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash. 
• Always consult your child’s pediatrician regarding their growth and development.

Don’ts:

• Never put food in a bottle.
• Avoid offering food that is larger than a baby’s fingertip.
• Avoid sharp foods or anything that could pose a choking hazard, such as whole grapes (unless cut into quarters), nuts, raw vegetables, fruit chunks or popcorn.
• Don’t give whole milk to your baby until after their first birthday.
• And most importantly, don’t give up! This transition to solid foods may take time, but it’s an essential step for your baby’s growth and development. You’ve got this!

Also note that the South Carolina Department of Public Health offers the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition program (commonly known as WIC) that provides health education, healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and other services free of charge to South Carolina families who qualify. Learn more about WIC from the SC Department of Public Health.