Being able to get your baby to start solids is a big step. Like so many other milestones in a baby’s life, watching him or her eat solids for the first time can be an exciting experience. Knowing when to start your baby on solids, as well as how often to give your baby solids is an important part of this process.

For the first few months of your baby’s life, breast milk or formula will be everything that your baby needs from a nutritional perspective. By the time that your baby reaches the age of 4 months, you can probably start introducing solids to your baby. Some pediatricians recommend waiting until month 6 to introduce solids, however. Realistically, there are some important signs to look for to know whether or not your baby is ready to start solids. Once your baby is able to support her own head, when she seems interested in food, such as watching you eat or staring at your food, and when her tongue-thrusting reflex is gone or greatly subsided, your baby is probably ready to start solids.

The first solid that you will generally start with is cereal. Typically, this cereal will be mixed with formula or breast milk. Don’t mix this in a bottle, unless your pediatrician recommends it, however. Once your baby has started solids and is eating cereal, you can add a pureed vegetable or fruit to the mix. You should always add just a little bit of a new food at a time, so as to be able to identify any allergies.

At first, you will give them solids around once every few days. Once your baby starts getting used to solids, you can gradually increase the frequency that you give time, working your way up to once a day. By the time your baby reaches 8 to 12 months of age, you might start introducing table foods to your baby. Make sure that the pieces are not too big, of course, to make sure there is no risk of choking. At this time, your baby will probably be eating between 2 and 3 solid meals each day.

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