Starting Solids with Your Baby: What You Really Need to Know

Starting Solids with Your Baby: What You Really Need to Know

  • Starting solids sneaks up faster than you think. One day it's just bottles and snuggles, and the next you’re wiping mashed avocado off the walls. It’s one of the most joyful (and messy!) milestones in baby’s first year—but it also comes with lots of questions.

From “When should I start?” to “What’s safe and nourishing?”—this is your easy, stress-free roadmap.

1. When Is the Right Time to Start?

Experts now recommend beginning solids around six months, when most babies are developmentally ready. Look for these signs:

  • Sitting up with minimal support
  • Holding their head steadily
  • Reaching for your food or showing mealtime interest
  • Bringing objects—and food—to their mouth

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breast milk or formula should remain your baby’s primary nutrition until their first birthday. Solids before then are about exploration, not replacement.

 Tip: always check with your pediatrician before starting solids.

2. Purees or Baby-Led Weaning?

There’s no single “right” approach—just what works for your family.

  • Purees: Smooth, easy to swallow, and familiar for many parents.
  • Baby-Led Weaning (BLW): Letting baby self-feed age-appropriate whole foods, like steamed broccoli.

Many families do a mix of both—and that flexibility is perfectly fine.

3. First Foods That Pack a Punch

Think nutrient-dense, iron-rich, and easy to prepare:

  • Avocado – healthy fats for brain development
  • Sweet potato – vitamin A + fiber
  • Banana – potassium + easy to mash
  • Cooked carrots – beta-carotene for vision and immunity
  • Full-fat plain yogurt – calcium + probiotics
  • Lentils – plant-based protein + iron

Skip for now: honey (risk of infant botulism), unpasteurized foods, cow’s milk as a drink (yogurt/cheese are fine), and choking hazards like whole grapes, nuts, and popcorn.

 A little seasoning is okay—babies love flavor too!

4. Introducing Allergens Safely

Don’t delay allergens. The AAP recommends introducing them before baby turns one. This includes eggs, peanuts, dairy, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.

Start with small amounts, introducing one solid food at a time, and watch for reactions (like hives, vomiting, swelling, or breathing changes).

Early exposure may even help prevent allergies from developing.

5. A Simple, Stress-Free Feeding Routine

  • Choose a time when baby is happy and rested.
  • Start with one “meal” a day (a few spoon fulls or bites is plenty).
  • Offer, don’t force—follow baby’s cues.
  • Expect mess—it’s part of the learning (and half the fun).

Make it easier with the Ali + Tings Feeding Collection—suction plates, spoons, and bibs designed to keep mealtimes safe, modern, and a little less messy.

6. Gagging vs. Choking: What’s the Difference?

  • Gagging: Loud, dramatic, and protective. Baby coughs, sputters, face may turn red. Normal reflex as they learn.
  • Choking: Silent and serious. No sound, lips may turn blue, baby can’t breathe. Requires immediate action.

Take a Red Cross Infant CPR Class for peace of mind—it’s the best confidence booster for parents starting solids.

7. Must-Have Gear for Solids

The right setup makes mealtime smoother:

Gifting solids gear? Try the Tiny Moments Kit—a beautifully packaged gift set that makes milestones extra special.

8. Why Parents Love Ali + Tings

We built Ali + Tings to make parenthood simpler, safer, and prettier. Every piece is made from LFGB-grade silicone—baby-safe, toxin-free, and designed in calming neutral tones that blend seamlessly into your home.

Plus, with every order, we plant a tree—supporting reforestation projects across the globe. Together, we’re on track to plant 10,000 trees by 2025.

Final Thoughts

Starting solids is an adventure—messy, funny, and unforgettable. Keep it light, safe, and fun. Remember: this stage is about discovery, not perfection.

Explore the Ali + Tings Feeding Collection and shop thoughtful gift sets that make mealtime milestones joyful for both baby and mama.

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