Is Baby Ready For Solids?

Written By Ann Marion Willis

Starting solids is an exciting time, but it can feel overwhelming. New parents are often flooded with an abundance of information, misinformation, and opinions on how and when to do it, resulting in more questions than answers.

Timing is important, and every baby is unique! While most children are ready for solids around 6 months of age, this is a general guideline. Pay attention to baby’s cues and look for these signs of readiness:

Does baby?

    • Have good head/neck control​?

    • Sit upright, using core muscles?

    • Have a decreased tongue thrust reflex(food isn’t pushed forward)?

    • Open mouth when food/utensil is offered​?

    • Close mouth around a spoon/food?

    • Bring things to their mouth?

    • Turn head away/close mouth to refuse?

    • Overall, actively participate/engage in eating?

Remember, every baby will be ready in their own time. Starting solids before signs of readiness are present can lead to increased risk of choking, gas, bloating, and general GI discomfort. Starting too late, might make the transition more challenging, and can increase risk of picky eating behaviour. It also can put a breastfed infant at risk for iron-deficiency.

This is a general guideline, and does not replace personalized advice from your child’s healthcare team.

Danielle Collier, Registered Dietitian/Co-Owner AMD Nutrition

Ann Marion Willis
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