When to Introduce Baby to Solid Foods

Support your little one every step of the way in their nutritional journey

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Wondering where to start with solid foods?

Here are tips for getting started on baby’s nutritional journey & knowingthe appropriate foods for each stage of development.

Cereal

Supplement breast milk or formula with baby’s first solid.

Age/Behavior When infants double their birth weight (typically around 4–6 months), they could be ready for solid foods according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Stage 1

Introduce single purées & watch for allergies.

Age/Behavior The American Academy of Pediatrics states that your baby could be ready for solids when they have good head control & can sit up while supported.

Stage 2

Explore new flavors.

Age/Behavior Starting around 6 months & when they can support themselves while sitting, your baby may be ready for stage 2 purées.

Baby Snacks

Practice self-feeding.

Age/Behavior Dry snacks offer the perfect opportunity for babies to practice self-feeding as their oral & motor skills develop, starting with their pincer grasp.

Start good eating habits early by getting your toddler excited about the right food

Stage 3 – Food & Drinks

Create a balanced diet with a variety of key nutrients.Age/BehaviorBabies are typically ready for stage 3 foods when they start crawling or are around 9 months of age. By age 2, your toddler should be eating three meals a day per the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines.

Toddler Snacks

Keep them fueled.Age/BehaviorThe American Academy of Pediatrics recommends toddlers eat one to two snacks in addition to eating three healthy meals a day. Snacks make it easier to be on-the-go with your tot, while also providing a fun & nutritious option.

Help nourish their growing bodies

With every age & stage, your baby has unique developmental and nutritional needs.

Nutrition

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that breast milk and formula are the sole sources of nutrition for your baby during the first 6 months. Then it’s time to introduce baby to the world of solid foods! Eating solids at this age is mostly about letting baby explore new flavors and textures and less about getting in calories, so follow their cues and have fun.

Brain development

According to the Urban Child Institute, your baby’s brain doubles in size in the first year! You should look for foods with key nutrients to support their growth, per American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidance. DHA is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain—and is essential for brain health. Choline helps support brain health and is found in eggs and fortified in various baby snacks. The body doesn’t produce this nutrient, so little ones need it in their diet. Omega-3 (ALA) is an important fatty acid found naturally in foods such as ground flaxseed.

Palate development

When your baby is around 9 months of age and starting Stage 3 foods, exposing them to different flavors and textures may help them learn to love all types of food and become an adventurous eater. This can help when eating meals as a family. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, family meals can have positive effects on the development of children.

Dexterity

The Mayo Clinic states that your baby could start feeding themselves at around 6 months. Signs of readiness include grabbing the spoon while you are holding it, reaching for food and grabbing objects to bring to their mouth. Start by placing small pieces of soft foods (age-appropriate or melt-in-mouth baby snacks) within reach to help them develop the fine motor skill of grabbing with their thumb and forefinger, called the pincer grasp. It’s recommended that you do not give your baby any food that requires chewing, as it could be a choking hazard.

Gut health & constipation

It’s common for your baby to get constipated when you start them on solid foods. Foods high in fiber, such as prunes or whole-wheat pasta, can help provide relief.

Guiding information on food allergies after talking to your pediatrician

Early allergy introduction can be scary & overwhelming. Talking to your pediatrician is a great first step in understanding the risks & benefits. Check out these guiding tips & example foods if you’re ready to start exploring this topic.

Navigating picky eating habits

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, picky eating is a normal developmental stage for toddlers. They’re starting to develop food preferences, which can change from day to day. If you’re concerned about your child’s diet, talk to your pediatrician. They may suggest supplementing with a nutritional drink to ensure your toddler is getting the necessary nutrients to grow and develop.

3 steps to catch up on growth

Explore toddler nutritional drinks

Learn how to understand your baby’s feeding cues

7 ways your baby says ‘I’m hungry’

12 ways your baby says ‘I’m getting full’

Tip

When you’re in doubt or don’t know where to start, talk to your pediatrician.Your 4 month visit is the perfect time to start the conversation about food allergiesand starting your baby on solids.

Look for the WIC tag located on the shelves of your local store

WIC (Women, Infants and Children) serves to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women and infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. It provides nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support and referrals to health care.