You know that moment when your baby locks eyes with your fork like it’s the most fascinating thing in the world? Yep, that’s when the question hits: when to start baby on solids? It sneaks up right between diaper changes and trying to remember the last time you drank coffee while it was still hot.
If you’re googling “tips for new moms” at 2 a.m. with a spoon in one hand and a drooly baby in the other—hi, you’re in the right place. Starting solids can feel like a huge milestone (and, honestly, a little nerve-wracking). There’s so much advice out there, but what you really need is a little guidance and a lot of grace.
This post isn’t about doing it “right.” It’s about recognizing the signs, trusting your gut, and knowing you’re not alone if that first spoonful ends up mainly on the highchair tray. Let’s talk first foods, baby readiness, and how to make this next step feel a little less overwhelming—and much more fun.
Are you wondering when to start your baby on solids and how to know if your little one is truly ready? We’re breaking it down with simple signs, gentle tips, and real-mom reassurance to make the journey smoother (and a little more fun). Let’s take this next step together—one tiny spoonful at a time.
When to Start Baby on Solids
So how do you actually know when your baby is ready to try solids? It’s not about a magical age or what someone else’s baby is doing—it’s about watching your little one for some pretty clear (and honestly, adorable) signs. Don’t worry, you don’t need a checklist taped to the fridge. Just keep an eye out for these little clues that your baby might be ready to graduate from milk to mush.
Signs Your Baby Might Be Ready
Alright, let’s talk baby clues. These are the little signs that your sweet babe might be ready to give solids a try—no pressure, no rush, just some gentle hints.
✔️ Head control: If your baby can hold their head up steadily without flopping around like a bobblehead, that’s a great first sign. Solids require some coordination, and a steady noggin is part of the deal.
✔️ Sitting up (even with support): They don’t have to be sitting independently just yet, but being able to sit upright in a high chair or your lap with decent support shows their core is strong enough to start experimenting with food.
✔️ Curiosity about your meals: Maybe they’re eyeing your sandwich like it’s a work of art or reaching for your spoon with impressive determination. For us, it was the moment my daughter lunged—literally lunged—at my oatmeal. Not subtle, baby girl.
✔️ Less tongue-thrusting: Babies are born with a reflex that pushes things out of their mouths (super helpful for breast/bottle feeding, not so much for spoonfuls of mashed avocado). If your baby’s stopped reflexively pushing everything out with their tongue, that’s another green light.
And here’s the thing: every baby hits these milestones at their own pace. Some are ready at 5.5 months, others not till closer to 7 or 8. There’s no award for starting early and no shame in waiting until it feels right for both of you. You know your baby best—these signs are gentle nudges, not deadlines.
Check out the Solid Starts app, designed to take the guesswork out of starting solids!
The Sweet Spot: Around 6 Months
You’ll hear it often: “Babies are ready for solids around 6 months.” And while that’s a helpful general guide, it’s not a hard-and-fast rule. If you’ve wondered, “When do babies start eating solids?” — you’re not alone. Think of it more like a ballpark, not a finish line. What matters is readiness, not the calendar.
Some babies are practically lunging for your lunch at five and a half months, while others couldn’t care less until closer to eight. And both are totally normal. My friend’s little guy had zero interest in solids until he was well past 7 months—and now? You can’t tear him away from a bowl of spaghetti. The timing didn’t slow him down one bit.
It’s easy to feel like you’re behind if everyone else’s baby is chomping on banana slices already, but trust me—there’s no race. As long as your baby is growing well and your pediatrician is on board, you’ve got time. Give yourself permission to go at your baby’s pace. You’re not “late”—you’re just tuned in.
It’s Not About the Food (Yet)
Here’s something that took the pressure off for me: starting solids isn’t about getting your baby to eat full meals right away—it’s about exploring. Think of it as baby’s first intro to the wild, messy, wonderfully weird world of food. A few licks of mashed banana? A finger dipped in yogurt? That totally counts.
You might’ve heard the saying, “food before one is just for fun.” And honestly, it’s such a good reminder. In those early days, your baby is still getting nearly all of their nutrition from breastmilk or formula. The goal right now isn’t calories—it’s curiosity.
Let your baby squish, smear, and spit out that sweet potato if they want to. That’s how they learn! The flavors, textures, smells, and even the act of sitting at the table are all part of the experience. Sure, it’s messy. Sure, it’s unpredictable. But it’s also really fun—once you surrender to the chaos and let go of expectations.
First Foods: Keep It Simple
Keep things simple when your baby’s ready to try that first bite. You don’t need fancy gadgets or a rainbow of purees prepped in color-coded freezer trays. Some of the best first foods are the easy ones you probably already have—think mashed avocado, a bit of ripe banana, baby oatmeal mixed with breastmilk or formula, or a soft, squishy spoonful of sweet potato.
Try offering just one food at a time and give it a few days before trying something new. Not because you need to stress about allergies—but so you can see how your little one reacts. Some babies dive in face-first, others are like, “Um, what is this?” (Totally normal.)
And don’t overthink the how. A soft spoon works great, but your clean finger or letting baby play with the food can work just as well. However you do it, it’s not about perfection—it’s about the experience. Embrace the mess, take the photos, and know you’re both figuring it out together.
Trust Your Gut (And Your Baby)
At the end of the day, no chart or milestone list knows your baby like you do. You’ve been tuning into their cries, their snuggles, their sleepy cues—starting solids is just another step in that same rhythm. If your baby’s giving you the “let me try that” look and checking off a few readiness signs, you’re probably right on track. And if your gut says, “not quite yet,” that’s just as valid.
Every baby has their own timing, and every mama has her own instincts. Trust those. You don’t need to rush because someone else’s baby is already gobbling up puréed peas, or because a post on Instagram made you second-guess yourself.
If you’re unsure or want to talk it through, your pediatrician can be a great sounding board—not a gatekeeper, just another layer of support. You’re not alone in this. You’re learning together, one spoonful (and one adorable mess) at a time.
FAQs About When to Start Solid Foods
Starting solids is exciting… and also overwhelming. You’re not alone if you have a million questions in your head. Here are a few of the most common ones moms ask—and the kind of answers you’d get from a friend who’s been there.
It’s best to offer solids at least an hour before bedtime. That gives the baby time to digest and helps avoid any tummy discomfort when it’s time to sleep. Early evening can work great—just make sure they’re still alert and happy.
No stress—some babies take longer to warm up to the idea. Keep offering small tastes without pressure, and follow their cues. If they’re not ready yet, that’s perfectly okay—they’ll get there in their own time.
Once a day is plenty when you’re just starting out. You’re introducing tastes and textures, not full meals. As baby shows more interest, you can slowly work up to two or three small “meals” a day.
Starting solids is one of those big, sweet milestones that comes with a lot of questions—like when do babies start eating baby food?—and even more opinions. But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some babies dive right in, others take their sweet time, and both are perfectly okay.
If you’re watching your little one for signs, trusting your gut, and keeping it simple, you’re already doing an amazing job. This stage isn’t about getting it “right”—it’s about exploring together, making memories (and messes), and learning as you go.
So take a deep breath, grab a soft spoon (or don’t), and enjoy this new chapter with your baby. You’ve got this, mama—and your little one is lucky to have you leading the way.