Is My Baby Ready for More Than Milk? A Guide for Parents Starting Solids

Is My Baby Ready for More Than Milk? A Guide for Parents Starting Solids

- I remember with each of my own babies and every family I’ve worked with, that moment of wondering: Is it time to start solids? It’s a big milestone and one that often comes with a mix of excitement, curiosity, and a little anxiety.

As a Registered Nurse, IBCLC, and Newborn Care Specialist, I’ve helped hundreds of parents transition their babies from exclusive breast milk or formula to solid foods—and the first thing I always tell them is this: there’s no perfect date on the calendar. Readiness is all about development, not just age.

Let’s talk about what to look for—and what to hold off on—before introducing your baby to their first bite of food. 

Before we proceed further, please know that milk (breast milk or formula) has to be the primary source of nutrition for the entire first year. 

1. Sitting Up with Support (and Good Head Control)

Before your baby eats anything off a spoon or from a tray, their body has to be ready. That means sitting up well in a high chair or on your lap, and holding their head steady and upright for several minutes at a time.

If their little head still wobbles, or they slump in the high chair, it’s better to wait. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), sitting unassisted with good neck control is one of the key readiness signs for solids.¹

2. Interest in What You're Eating

This one is so fun to see. Babies start watching us eat long before they take a bite themselves. If you notice your little one staring at your spoon, grabbing at your food, or mimicking chewing, that’s a good sign they’re curious.

This doesn’t mean they’re ready today, but it’s a great time to begin offering safe opportunities to explore—like playing with a soft silicone spoon or sitting at the table with the family during meals.

3. Loss of the Tongue Thrust Reflex

Newborns are born with a reflex that automatically pushes their tongue forward to protect them from choking. Around 4–6 months, this reflex starts to fade. You’ll notice your baby stops pushing everything out of their mouth with their tongue and starts to actually keep small items (or teething toys) in their mouth.

If you offer a spoon of purée and they push it out immediately, they may still be working on outgrowing this reflex—and that’s totally okay. It’s not a race.

4. Doubling Birth Weight (Usually Around 6 Months)

While weight alone isn’t a green light, most pediatricians agree that babies are developmentally more ready for solids after they’ve doubled their birth weight. This often aligns with other milestones like sitting, head control, and oral coordination.

5. Still Hungry After Full Milk Feeds

Some families tell me, “My baby is draining full bottles and still seems hungry.” Or, for breastfeeding moms: “He’s nursing constantly and waking up more at night again.”

Sometimes this is part of a growth spurt, but it can also be your baby’s way of saying, I’m ready to try more. This doesn’t mean you have to jump to full meals overnight. Think of solids at this age as practice, not primary nutrition. Breast milk or formula will still be their main food source until closer to one year.²

My Personal Advice:

Start slow. One meal a day is plenty in the beginning. I like to recommend starting with iron-rich foods like puréed meats, soft-cooked vegetables, or oatmeal. For the more picky little critters try to avoid fruit initially as it's more of a dessert. Try ripe avocados as they tend to have a sweet, subtle flavor. Let baby touch, smell, and explore—even if most of it ends up on their bib instead of their belly.

Be patient, stay present, and don’t stress over how much they actually eat. This is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with food—and it’s okay if it’s messy at first.

Final Thoughts

Every baby is different. Some are ready right at six months, others need a few more weeks. Always talk to your pediatrician if you’re unsure, and follow your baby’s cues more than the clock.

You’ve kept them nourished with your milk or bottles every day up to this point—you’ve got this next stage, too.

References:

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Starting Solid Foods. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition