Babies are ready for solids when they:
hold their head up
sit in a high chair, alone or with support
follow food with their eyes
open their mouth wide when they see food coming
do not push spoon-fed food out of their mouth
close their lips over the spoon
If you start feeding babies too soon...
their digestive system will not be ready for solid foods
they may not be able to swallow food from a spoon, which can pose a choking risk
they may drink less breast milk or formula
If you start babies on solid foods too late, they may:
not get all the nutrients they need
have difficulty learning to accept and try new foods and textures
have difficulty in chewing foods
Tips on how to start
Use a small spoon and start with a small amount.
Always offer solid food after breastfeeding or formula feeding. Remember that when they are first introduced solids are “extras.” For up to 9-12 months, babies will get most of their nutrients from breast milk or formula. Think of solids not only as nutrition, but as an opportunity for your little one to experience new textures and flavours while practising the oral motor skills necessary for spoon feeding.
Sit your baby in a high chair. Make sure you use the seat belt and never leave your child alone while eating.
Put some food on your baby's lips. But put food in your baby’s mouth only if he or she opens it.
Babies who do not swallow the food may not be ready for solid food yet. Wait a few days and try again.
Gradually give your baby more food. For example, start with once per day, in the morning and progress to twice per day when your baby accepts food well.
Let your baby guide you. Babies tell you when they have had enough to eat by turning away their head or keeping their mouth shut.
Keep mealtimes pleasant and never force your baby to eat.