Starting solids is an exciting milestone in your baby’s journey. Between 4–6 months, most babies show signs they’re ready to explore new tastes and textures beyond milk. But with so much advice out there, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this simple, practical Do’s and Don’ts guide to introducing solids, helping you build healthy eating habits right from the start.
When Can You Start Solids?
Most health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend introducing solid foods around 6 months of age. In some cases, babies may be ready as early as 4 months, but only if they show developmental signs of readiness.
Key readiness signs include:
-
Sitting upright with minimal support
-
Strong head and neck control
-
Reaching out or showing interest in food
-
Moving food to the back of the tongue and swallowing, rather than pushing it out
Similarly, Johns Hopkins Medicine advises that introducing purees and spoon-feeding between 4–6 months can be appropriate when these physical milestones are met. The CDC further emphasizes that waiting until about 6 months is ideal, as this is the best time to add complementary foods alongside breast milk or formula.
*Always consult your pediatrician before starting solids to ensure your baby is developmentally ready and to address any specific health concerns.
Do’s and Don’ts of Starting Solids
✅ Do’s
-
Do wait until your baby shows readiness signs before offering solids.
-
Do start with single-ingredient purees or iron-rich foods like fortified cereals, mashed sweet potatoes, or pureed meats.
-
Do introduce one new food at a time and wait 3–5 days before trying another to watch for allergies.
-
Do offer a variety of textures, start smooth, then gradually move to thicker purees and soft finger foods. This helps your baby learn to chew and prevents picky eating later.
-
Do encourage self-feeding with age-appropriate finger foods once your baby develops the pincer grasp.
-
Do create a safe feeding space, always feed your baby in an upright position, preferably in a secure, comfortable high chair like the Unilove Grow with Me High Chair or use Unilove Feed Me Dining Booster Seat
-
Do be patient and expect messes, it’s part of learning. Stay calm, keep mealtime fun, and remember, it can take 10+ tries before a baby accepts a new food.
❌ Don’ts
-
Don’t rush the process, avoid introducing solids before 4 months. A baby’s digestive system and swallowing skills may not be ready.
-
Don’t add salt, sugar, or honey because babies don’t need extra seasonings. Honey should be avoided until after 12 months as it can cause infant botulism.
-
Don’t prop bottles or use food as a distraction or comfort tool.
-
Don’t force your baby to eat, watch their hunger and fullness cues. If your baby turns their head away, respect it. Forcing food can lead to negative associations with eating.
-
Don’t offer choking hazards like whole grapes, popcorn, nuts, or hard raw vegetables.
-
Don’t Expect Milk to Disappear Immediately because solids complement breastmilk/formula, not replace it (especially in the first year).
Making Mealtimes Easier with the Right Gear
Starting solids isn’t only about what goes on the spoon, it’s about creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable mealtime experience. Choosing the right gear helps parents focus less on stress and more on memories.
-
Unilove Grow with Me High Chair
A versatile high chair designed to adapt as your baby grows. It provides sturdy support for those early feeding months and easily transforms into a toddler chair, making it a long-term investment for families. -
Unilove Feed Me Dining Booster Seat
A compact and portable booster seat, perfect for families on the move. Whether dining out or visiting family, it ensures your baby can safely join mealtime anywhere.
Both products are thoughtfully designed to prioritize safety, comfort, and practicality, helping families make the transition to solids smooth and joyful.
Introducing solids is a big milestone for both babies and parents. With the right timing, healthy food choices, and supportive gear like the Unilove Grow With Me High Chair and Feed Me Booster, parents can ensure mealtimes are safe, enjoyable, and filled with happy first tastes.
