Starting solids is a big milestone in any household (can you believe it’s been 6 months?), you may have found yourself researching everything about it, or feel like you have no idea where to start. The common questions around solids include when to start, how to start, how to navigate allergens, do you need 100 foods before 1 and whether you start with purees, BLW or a mix. If any of this sounds familiar, then the Google gods have done you a solid (pun intended) and landed you in the right place. In this article, we cover all the most common questions of starting solids, share our favourite guides and resources, and provide a downloadable and printable ‘100 foods before 1’ checklist.
Disclosure: This blog article is written from experience and input from our community of mums and online articles. This is not medical advice and should not replace the advice of your health care professional. If you are unsure, please seek input from your GP or trusted sources of knowledge.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions about Starting Solids
Why does my baby need to start solids?
As your baby grows and develops, their nutritional needs begin change also. For the first six months of life, your baby gain all the nourishment they require from breastmilk/formula alone. However, at around 6 months of age, their iron and zinc reserves begin to become depleted and they require the introduction of solid food so that you can continue to fulfil these needs, particularly for iron and zinc. Even with the introduction of solids, it is important to add that breastmilk (and/or formula) will remain their main source of nutrition until 12 months.
What age should a baby start solids?
Despite what you may have been told in the past, current recommendations for the age to introduce solids is around 6 months of age. Typically, this is the time your babies nutritional needs are no longer fulfilled from breastmilk alone and the time your baby will show the developmental signs of being ready. For some babies, this may occur a little earlier or little later. It is important you are mindful of your babies development and watch for signs of readiness as they approach 6months.
What are the signs of readiness?
Developmental signs that your baby is ready to start solids may include:
- Has good head and neck control.
- Is able to sit up, unassisted.
- Is displaying an interest in food.
- Opens mouth when food is brought to it.
- Swallows food (no tongue thrust reflex).
- Tries to grasp small objects.
What should be my babies first foods?
Begin with low allergenic foods that are nourishing and easy to digest. You may wish to start introducing foods like avocado, root vegetables, bone broths and organic slow cooked meats (based on recommendations from Milk to Meals by Boob to Food)
Should I do BLW, Spoon Feeding or a Mix?
Whether you introduce your baby to foods via spoon feeding, BLW or a combination is entirely up to you as the parent. It is important that you are aware to how meal times make you feel and start with a method you are most comfortable with. Some parents wish to offer a combination to see how baby responds and how you feel as the parent. For example, you may offer mushed/pureed avocado on a spoon, as well as a spear of avocado for baby to hold. The most important part of choosing your method of feeding is feeling comfortable, trusting your gut and responding to your babies cues.
Safety Tips for Starting Solids
- Ensure you always supervise your baby while eating.
- Be sure your baby is developmentally ready to start.
- Use the ‘squish test’ to ensure food is soft enough for baby to eat.
- Ensure foods are cooked, mashed, and grated to prevent choking.
- Know the difference between gaging and choking.
- Be first aid ready.
- Know how to correctly prepare babies foods. If doing BLW, ensure soft and in finger size/width.
- Avoid introducing honey under 12months.
- Opt for easy to digest foods for your baby.
- Avoid hard foods such as raw carrots, apples etc.
- Avoid choking hazards such as whole nuts.
- Continue to breastfeed/use formula as primary source of nutrition until 12 months.
- Know the top 9 allergen foods ( chicken eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat and dairy) and when/how to introduce them. A great resources is Boob to Food blog post of Top 9 allergens.
Where can I find resources and support for introducing solid foods?
Resources we found helpful while putting together this article and on our own solids journey:
Tiny Hearts Education
Boob to Food
World Health Organisation
Raising Children’s Network
Australian Breastfeeding Association
Prevent Allergies
Your Guide to 100 Foods Before 1.
Have you been told to introduce 100 foods before your baby is 1? Some of the reasons for introducing your baby to 100 foods is to reduce their risk of allergies through exposure, ensure baby does not develop any deficiencies (in particular iron), allow them opportunity to experience a wide range of flavours and textures, support their developing motor skills, and set them up for a positive relationship with a variety of foods.
Of course, there is a wide variation in what these 100 foods may be for you and your family. But, just incase you find the thought of 100 foods before 1 daunting, we have put together an easy to follow list for you.
- Avocado
- Sweet Potato
- Pumpkin
- Parsnip
- Beetroot
- Zucchini
- Carrots
- Bone Broth
- Ripe Banana
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Cucumber
- Apple
- Peaches
- Pear
- Apricots
- Ghee
- Hemp Seeds
- Nori Seaweed
- Mushrooms
- Coconut Cream
- Eggs
- Cauliflower
- Bone Marrow
- Amaranth
- Slow Cooked Chicken
- Slow Cooked Beef
- Pan-Fried Liver
- Nut Butters
- Sauerkraut
- Wild-Caught Sardines
- Salmon
- Grass-Fed Butter
- Slow cooked pork
- Soaked Quinoa
- Soaked Lentils
- Cashew Cheese
- Chickpeas
- Greek Yoghurt
- Bread (spelt/rye/sourdough to start)
- Strawberries
- Oranges
- Mandarins
- Soaked White Beans
- Soaked Black Beans
- Watermelon
- Coconut
- Tempeh
- Soaked Oats
- Lamb Chops or Slow cooked lamb
- Tahini
- Blueberries
- Plums
- Mangoes
- Prawns
- Potatoes
- Chia Seeds Soaked
- Goats Cheese
- Kefir
- Raspberries
- Tomatoes
- Rice (soaked)
- Cheddar Cheese
- Turkey
- Flaxseed
- Pasta (can start with pulse first)
- Cous Cous
- Rockmelon
- Papaya
- Asparagus
- Kiwi
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Artichoke
- Eggplant
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cut Grapes
- Lemon
- Tofu
- Leeks
- Figs
- Sultanas
- Kale
- Prunes
- Polenta
- Endaname
- Spinach
- Ricotta Cheese
- Capsicum
- Brussel Sprouts
- Lime
- Pineapple
- Bok Choy
- Cabbage
- Orange
- Oysters
- Beetroot Kvass
- Herbs: (dill, rosemary, basil etc)
- Cottage Cheese
Printable 100 foods before 1 Checklist.
Like our list of 100 foods before 1? We wanted to make it easy for you to follow and track, so have attached a checklist for your convenience.
Have something to add? We would love to hear from you. Let us know in the comments what your babies first foods were or foods to include in our 100 foods before 1 list.
Where to Next?
Shop our favourite “starting solids” essentials via The Memo.
Other articles you may like for your babies first year:
Katie
I love that you mentioned head control. Head control and trunk control is a must for swallowing and feeding. And too much attention is placed on months of age. All babies develop slightly different. Such great info in your article. I started with avocados and sweet potatoes and then did BLW from there with my Littles. ☺️
Jess
Love this! My baby girl is 10 months and we’ve hit a slump in our food variety. I’m going to have to try some of these out!