Starting Solid Foods
No solids before 6 months
Breastmilk is a wonderfully complete food, and your baby doesn't need anything else until around 6 months. Introducing solids too early may do more harm than good—especially for tiny tummies that aren’t ready. The younger the baby, the higher the risk of food allergies.
Around 6 or 7 months, first teeth may appear, and your little one starts wanting to chew and bite. That’s your cue to begin exploring new tastes and textures! A telltale sign? If your baby sits on your lap during meals and tries to grab your plate, it’s time for a new culinary adventure.
Good to know: Like all big milestones, babies sometimes backtrack. Your little one may suddenly return to exclusive breastfeeding for a few days. Don’t worry—this phase is temporary. Think of it as a little pause before the next big leap forward!
How to go about it?
This is a big change for your baby, so take it slow and keep things fun! Mealtimes have always been a source of comfort—no reason that should change now.
At first, your little gourmet will likely only manage one or two spoonfuls of whatever lovingly puréed delight you’ve prepared. While they’ve tasted many flavors through your breastmilk, textures are a whole new world—and not always a hit at first. Don’t be discouraged if the lovingly made purée is met with a frown!
To set the mood for discovery, always nurse first so baby isn’t too hungry to explore. A hangry baby is rarely in the mood for surprises!
Tip: Why not let Dad handle mealtime? With Mom (and her magical milk) at a safe distance, baby might focus better on this exciting new experience!
What to offer—and in what form?
We often start solids with fruits and vegetables. But interestingly, recent studies show that the first nutrients breastfed babies may be low on are iron and zinc—found in meat and fish.
As for texture, forget smooth purées if your baby prefers a little bite! Soft-cooked chunks, fork-mashed veggies, or finger-sized bits that melt on the tongue all work just fine. Every baby has their preferences—don’t hesitate to offer a variety to see what they enjoy!
To lower the risk of allergies, experts now recommend introducing gluten-containing foods early—always after 6 months. Why not hand baby a little crust of bread to gum away at under your watchful eye?
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