When it comes to starting solids, every parent seems to get different advice. One Reddit user put it perfectly: “All the websites, apps, other people just say: ‘feed your baby soft foods’... ok, but what food?” The same discussion thread revealed a variety of opinions—some parents in France start their babies with carrots, others prefer peas mixed with breast milk, while some introduce whatever the parents are eating. In this article, Cradlenest breaks down when and how to start solids, which foods are baby-friendly, and what signs to watch for — so you can feel more confident when your baby takes that very first bite.
When to start: Signs of Readiness
Most babies are ready to begin solid foods around 6 months of age. Weaning before 4 months is not recommended, as a baby’s bodily systems (e.g.: digestive and renal systems) are typically not mature enough to handle and absorb nutrients from solid foods. Instead, wait for signs of readiness such as:
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Can your baby sit up with support?
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Can you baby hold their head steady?
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Does your baby open their mouth when offered food or try to bring objects to their mouth?
If the answer to these questions is yes, it is a good indicator your baby is ready to move beyond milk.
What should I feed my baby?
According to pediatrician Dr. Rachel Dawkins from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, “It’s important to start slow, typically with infant oatmeal mixed with breastmilk or formula to ease your child into this experience.” The goal early on is not just nourishment but also getting used to the process—sitting in a high chair, taking small spoonfuls, pausing between bites, and learning to signal when full.
Once your baby gets the hang of infant oatmeal, you can begin introducing these foods:
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Iron-fortified rice cereal: a common first food as it is easy to digest and provides much-needed iron for healthy brain and body development.
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Expand gradually to include other iron-rich cereals (like oats, barley, and wheat).
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Smooth, pureed single-ingredient vegetables like (like pumpkin, sweet potato, peas or squash)
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Soft fruits are good next steps to introduce babies to sweeter, milder tastes. (Many pediatricians suggest starting with vegetables before fruits, as babies tend to prefer sweeter flavors and might resist vegetables if introduced later.)
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Protein can be introduced around 6 to 7 months with easy-to-digest options like mashed lentils, tofu, or finely flaked fish.
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As your baby learns to chew, slowly introduce finely shredded chicken or minced meat.
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Aim for a balance of grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and dairy like yogurt or cheese by 7 to 8 months.
Foods to avoid include:
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Additional salt, sugar, or seasoning — babies’ kidneys can’t handle salt, and keeping flavours natural helps them develop a healthy palate.
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Hard food such as nuts, raw carrots, apples. These should be grated or cooked until soft.
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Food with small bones. Fish bones should be removed.
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Small, round food such as grapes and berries. These should be cut into bite-size portions and served.
Note: If your baby has a family history of allergies, consult a doctor before introducing common allergens.
How much to feed
As your baby grows, their nutritional needs and appetite will naturally change. The amount and type of food, as well as the quantity of milk required, will vary across different developmental stages. To facilitate your meal planning, here is a sample menu based on age:
Photo: Sample Menu Based on Age - Kids Clinic
How to Introduce Solids
When introducing new foods to your baby:
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offer one new food at a time
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continue feeding it for about three consecutive days.
This helps you monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction or sensitivity—such as diarrhea, vomiting, rash, or unusual fussiness. Keeping a 3–4 day gap between introducing different foods can make it easier to identify which food might be causing an issue. If you notice any concerning symptoms, pause that food and consult your pediatrician before offering it again. Every baby eats at their own pace — its important to monitor their appetite, bowel movements, and growth.
There are a few approaches to introducing solids, with the 2 most popular being Traditional Weaning (or spoon-feeding purées) and Baby-led Weaning (BLW).
Traditional Weaning
Traditional weaning is the conventional method of introducing solid foods to babies, typically beginning with spoon-feeding specially prepared thin purées. These purées often combine several ingredients and gradually increase in texture and complexity as the baby grows and develops.
Baby-led Weaning (BLW)
BLW encourages babies from around 6 months of age to self-feed with soft, graspable pieces of food, allowing them to explore textures and regulate their own intake. This bypasses the traditional spoon-feeding of puréed foods. In BLW, babies are offered soft, appropriately sized pieces of whole foods and are included in family mealtimes, allowing them to explore a variety of textures and flavors at their own pace. This method places control in the baby’s hands — they decide what, how much, and how quickly to eat, fostering independence and potentially improving satiety responsiveness.
Additional tips for parents who wish to practise BLW include:
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Healthy infants over 6 months of age are developmentally able to self-feed; however, strong chewing skills in some children may not be fully developed until 9 months.
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Speak with your family paediatrician about the BLW approach to understand its potential risks and benefits for your child.
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Offer high-iron foods such as small pieces of tender red meat to support your baby’s nutritional needs.
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Always supervise your baby during meals—never leave them alone while eating to prevent choking or accidents.
At present, there is little research suggesting that one method is better than the other. No matter which method you choose, the most important thing is to ensure your baby receives a balanced diet.
Tips on food preparation
When preparing food at home, steam vegetables and puree them with breastmilk or formula to achieve a thin, oatmeal-like texture. As your baby becomes more comfortable with solids, you can gradually thicken textures and add variety: iron-fortified cereals, mashed fruits, blended vegetables, tofu, soft lentils, and eventually finely shredded meats or flaked fish. Here’s a helpful guide to food textures suitable for your baby at various stages.
Photo: Introducing Different Textures of Baby Food - Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
Busy parents may find it helpful to prepare their baby’s meals in advance and store them for quick reheating at mealtimes. Here are some important food preparation tips to keep in mind
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Always refrigerate pre-prepared meals promptly to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
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When reheating, make sure the food is thoroughly heated — if using a microwave, stir the food well and check the temperature to avoid uneven heating.
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Discard any unfinished food that has come into contact with your baby's saliva
For easy, stage-by-stage recipe ideas to support your baby’s journey into solids, check out our article on ‘Simple Recipes for Babies.’
Navigating the Transition to Solid Foods
Adjusting to new food textures can take time, and it’s normal for your child to cough, gag, or spit up during this process. These reactions are part of learning to eat, but it’s important to always keep a close eye on your baby to ensure he doesn’t choke. Make sure he is sitting upright—not slouched—during meals, as proper posture helps with safe swallowing.
Establishing a consistent routine helps create a sense of structure and comfort that can greatly aid the process. Simple steps—like setting regular meal and snack times, using the same seating arrangement, and minimizing distractions—can go a long way in helping your baby adjust.
At CradleNest, we understand the joys and challenges that come with introducing your baby to his first foods. Whether you’re looking for recipes, advice, practical feeding tips, or a community of parents going through the same journey, the CradleNest app (available from July 2025) has got you covered. Follow us on Instagram for more updates!
This article was informed by resources from the following:
- Johns Hopkins Medicine — Dos and Don’ts of Transitioning Baby to Solid Foods
- HealthHub SG — Baby Getting Ready for Solids
- HealthHub SG — Baby’s First Food Journey
- Kids Clinic — Feeding & Weaning: Baby Onto Solids