Weaning Your Baby: When & How to Start Solid Food

When’s the Right Time to Wean Your Baby?

So, you’ve hit the six-month mark, and you’re wondering—"Is it time for solids?" Yep, it probably is. Around this age, your little one’s mouth and digestive system start to change in a big way. Their tongue-thrust reflex calms down, they sit up a bit better, and they might even try to grab your food (cute, right?).

Another sign? Your baby has doubled their birth weight. That’s a pretty solid (pun intended) indicator that it’s go-time for spoon-fed adventures.

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Don’t Start Too Early—Or Too Late

Hold up though—before six months, your baby’s tummy and kidneys are still figuring things out. Breast milk or formula is all they need. But if you wait too long, they might become fussy eaters or have trouble learning how to chew and swallow. Balance is key here.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Getting ready for weaning doesn’t mean you need a kitchen overhaul. But a few tools will make life easier. Here’s the lowdown:

• Bibs—lots of them. Things are about to get messy, friend.
• Unbreakable baby bowls and spoons (trust me, you don’t want glass flying mid-tantrum).
• Small lidded containers—for leftovers or batch-prepping.
• A blender or food processor. It’s a game-changer when you’re short on time (which, let’s be real, is always).

Don’t worry about a high chair just yet. If your baby can’t hold their head up on their own, it’s best to feed them in your lap or in a supportive infant seat.

What Foods Are Best to Start With?

Alright, let’s talk food. Baby rice is usually the first on the menu. It’s easy on the stomach and super unlikely to cause allergies. Mix it with breast milk or formula to make it smooth and familiar. Simple, right?

After a few days, mix in a bit of puréed veg or fruit. Some folks start with fruits, but hey—try vegetables first so your baby doesn’t only crave the sweet stuff.

• Veggies: carrot, sweet potato, parsnip, potato, swede.
• Fruits: banana, pear, apple.

Cook and purée everything until it’s super soft. You want the texture to be smooth—like yogurt.

What Should You Avoid at First?

Some foods just aren’t baby-friendly in the early stages. Here’s a little no-no list to keep handy:

• Whole nuts or chunky peanut butter (choking hazard alert!).
• Honey (can cause botulism in babies under 1).
• Salt and sugar—your baby doesn’t need either, and it’s rough on their kidneys.
• Unpasteurized cheese or raw eggs.

Also, hold off on citrus fruits and tomatoes—they’re pretty acidic and can upset tiny tummies. You’ll have plenty of time for oranges and ketchup later.

How to Make Weaning Fun (and Not Frustrating)

Let’s be honest—this stage isn’t always a smooth ride. Some days your baby will devour sweet potato like it’s cake. Other days? They’ll hurl the spoon like a warrior in battle. Stay calm, laugh it off, and keep trying.

• Offer solids once a day at first, then gradually increase.
• Let your baby touch and play with the food—it’s part of learning.
• Don’t stress if they reject something. Try again in a few days.

Got a picky eater already? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. What’s your go-to trick for getting your baby to taste something new?

Wrap-Up: One Spoonful at a Time

Starting solids is a big milestone—for both of you. It’s not just about food, it’s about discovery, mess, memories, and a whole lot of laughter. So take your time, enjoy the journey, and celebrate every goofy bite.

You’ve got this—and your baby does too.

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Conclusion

Weaning doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little prep, a lot of bibs, and the right attitude, you can make it a fun and bonding experience. So, are you ready to grab that spoon and dive in?

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