Post: Starting Solids at 6 Months: A Guide for Parents

Starting solids at 6 months is an exciting milestone in your baby’s development. At this stage, babies are ready to explore new tastes and textures, helping them develop essential skills for eating. We are conveniently located in 626 N. Alafaya Trail Suite 206 – 5A Orlando, Florida 32828. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online.

Here’s what you need to know about starting solids:

Starting Solids at 6 Months: A Guide for Parents

Introducing solids to your baby at around six months is an exciting milestone. At this stage, your baby’s digestive system is ready for more than breast milk or formula, and they begin to explore new tastes and textures. Here’s what you need to know about starting solids:

Why Start Solids at 6 Months?

At six months, your baby requires additional nutrients, particularly iron, which milk alone may no longer supply in sufficient amounts. Solids help meet these nutritional needs and aid in healthy growth and development.

Signs Your Baby is Ready:

• Sitting up with support
• Good head control
• Showing interest in food
• The ability to close their mouth around a spoon
• Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex (no longer automatically pushing food out of their mouth)

First Foods to Introduce

Start with single-ingredient, iron-rich foods that are soft and easy to digest. Great options include:

• Iron-fortified cereals (e.g., rice, oatmeal)
• Pureed vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas
• Pureed fruits such as apples, pears, and bananas
• Pureed meats like chicken or turkey
• Cooked and mashed legumes (e.g., lentils, beans)

Texture and Progression

In the beginning, offer smooth, pureed foods. As your baby gets used to eating, gradually introduce thicker textures and soft finger foods around 8-10 months to help develop chewing skills.

Common Questions About Starting Solids

• How Often Should I Feed My Baby?
Start with once a day and gradually increase to 2-3 meals per day as they show interest.

• Should I Give Water?
At 6 months, small sips of water during meals are fine, but breast milk or formula should still be the main source of hydration.

• What About Allergens?
Introduce common allergens like peanut butter, eggs, and dairy early but one at a time to monitor for reactions. Recent guidelines suggest introducing allergens as part of a baby’s diet to reduce the risk of allergies.

Foods to Avoid

• Honey (due to the risk of botulism)
• Whole nuts or grapes (choking hazard)
• Excess salt or sugar
• Raw or undercooked eggs, meat, or fish
• Cow’s milk (as a drink, but small amounts in food are okay)

Starting solids at six months is an exciting journey for both you and your baby. Be patient, allow them to explore different flavors, and enjoy watching them grow into a confident little eater!

If you’re interested in a Starting Solids Boot Camp starting at 6+ Months. A comprehensive 4-week program equipping parents with the tools for success with transitioning their baby to solids when their baby is showing signs of readiness (~6 months old). Please contact to join!