Nowadays we encounter more and more approaches, recommendations, and sometimes even conflicting information about when and how to start the first solids. For every parent, it’s only natural to want to avoid mistakes, ensure the child gets enough essential nutrients, and at the same time protect the baby’s health and sensitive digestion.
When to start solids
Around the end of the 6th month of life of the child. Until then, the most suitable nutrition is breast milk, which provides all essential nutrients. Only in certain specific cases, discussed with a pediatrician (for example, iron deficiency), can solids be introduced a little earlier—always after consulting a doctor.
Every child is individual and may not be fully ready exactly at the end of month six. There are signs that your baby is ready for solids. The baby should be able to sit upright on their own or with slight support, control their head and neck, and show active interest in your food at the table. It is also very important that they can swallow small amounts of puréed food without pushing it back out with their tongue. You can start with solid foods when your baby’s teeth start coming in.
Introducing solids is not synonymous with ending breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can continue alongside solids and, according to recommendations, it’s advisable to continue breastfeeding up to one year. Introducing solids gradually transitions to a mixed diet, in which you include solid foods alongside breast milk or infant formula so that you adequately nourish your baby and support healthy growth.
How to start the first solids – step by step
The first solids should have a smooth purée texture. Finely strained cooked vegetables or fruit, or baby rice cereal with a consistency resembling a thinner cream, are ideal. At the beginning, your baby will eat about one to two small spoonfuls; over time you can slowly increase the amounts. Patience is essential—every child needs time to get used to new flavors and textures gradually.
Start offering the first solids when the baby is neither hungry nor too full. Late morning or around lunchtime works well. For feeding, use safe children's tableware and a soft plastic spoon with rounded edges.
Which foods are most suitable?
At first, cooked carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin are recommended. Later you can introduce fruit (apples, pears, bananas). In the eighth to tenth month you can add white meat and fish.
At the beginning, avoid sweetened and salted foods, honey (risk of botulism), cow’s milk at an early age (allergies and intolerance), canned foods, and ingredients containing additives.
On the other hand, it is beneficial to include organic foods, produced without pesticides and often with a higher nutrient content.
Solids are not a race. Respect your child’s individual needs, be patient and watch your baby’s reactions.