Cutie Pea Nutrition

Starting solids with your little one can be an exciting (and sometimes scary) time! How do you know if they’re really ready to begin? 

There are 6 signs of readiness that indicate your baby is ready to try real food:

1. Age: When your baby is around 6 months of age they are ready to start solid foods, as long as they are reaching the other milestones listed below. It’s important to make sure they’re showing all signs of readiness to make sure you’re offering them food safely. If your little was born prematurely, their age should be 6 months corrected (i.e. born at 35 weeks is ~7 months corrected). 
2. Head and Neck Control: To make sure your baby is able to eat and swallow safely they should be able to lift and hold their head/neck up steadily.
3. Sitting Independently: Can your little one sit with minimal to no support? If so they may be ready to start trying solid foods! Make sure you have a high chair where they can sit up and are not reclining to help minimize the risk of choking.
4. Loss of the tongue thrust reflex: The tongue thrust reflex is what causes baby to push things out of their mouth. If you bring a spoon or something else to their mouth and they push it back out immediately, they still have the reflex and are likely not ready for food.
5. Bringing objects to their mouth: Does your baby grasp items and bring them to their mouth? When handed food or a spoon baby should be able to bring it to their mouth– make sure to give your infant the opportunity to feed themselves. 
6. Showing an interest in food/eating:  Does your baby watch you while you eat and even try to grab food off your plate or from your hand? They’ll be super interested in what you’re doing and will want to try it too! Keep an eye out for all these signs to ensure your baby is ready to try solid foods! 

References

1. When, what, and how to introduce Solid Foods. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/foods-and-drinks/when-what-and-how-to-introduce-solid-foods.html. Accessed June 1, 2025.
2. 2020-2025. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf. Published 2020. Accessed June 1, 2025.