In the first 6 months of life, babies get all they need from breast milk (or formula). However, at around 6 months of age their appetite and nutritional requirements are no longer satisfied by breast milk or formula alone. Stores of iron and zinc can begin to decline in exclusively milk-fed infants (both breast and formula). As babies move towards 6 months they will start to display signs that they’re ready to start solids and their digestive systems are more developed to help them digest foods better.  

Starting solids too early may pose a risk of choking, increase their risk of food poisoning, potentially damage the baby’s kidneys, lead to poor digestion or constipation and may decrease mum’s breast milk supply.

On the other hand, starting solids too late (after 6 months of age) may slow a baby’s growth, increase the risk of iron and zinc deficiency, delay oral development or cause bubs to dislike solid foods.

There are three clear signs that together show your baby is ready to start.

These are:

	Baby can hold their head steady and stay upright in a sitting position.
	Baby can pick up food and coordinate movement to the mouth all by themselves.
	Baby shows a keen interest in food.

Other signs include:

	Baby may still push food out of their mouth, but this will fade as they practice eating and gain more skills.
	Baby might try and grab your food.

Some babies may be slower than others in learning how to handle food in their mouth. If this is the case, offering a variety of textures from smooth to soft finger foods may help.

Sometimes parents may not interpret the signs baby gives correctly, such as increased feeds, chewing on their fist, waking up in the night as signs they are ready for solid foods. These are normal infant behaviours as they grow and develop. It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready for solid foods.

What age should a baby be introduced to solids?

WHO and NHMRC recommend that solids should be introduced at around 6 months of age. 

What are the signs my baby is ready for solids in addition to breastmilk or formula?

Baby can hold their head steady and stay in an upright sitting position, baby can coordinate movement of picking up food and putting into their mouth, baby can swallow foods and baby shows an interest in what you’re eating.

Further information:

For more information on the reasons to wait until at least 6 months to start solid foods click here

Confused about introducing solids click here to find our more from the Australian Breastfeeding Association

Eating well in the first year by First Steps Nutrition Trust click here.

Infant Feeding Guidelines by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing click here.