Parenting tips · 4 min read
Starting solids: a calm first month
The first month of solids is about tasting, not nutrition. Milk is still the main meal, which takes most of the pressure off.
Readiness is physical, not a birthday
The usual signs are sitting with good head and neck control, showing real interest in what you are eating, and reaching for food. Age guidance varies by country, so confirm timing with your paediatrician rather than with the internet.
Keep the first weeks boring on purpose
One or two new foods at a time, offered once a day, at a moment when your baby is alert but not ravenous. A hungry baby wants milk, not a spoon of squash.
- •Single-ingredient purées or soft, graspable strips — both approaches work
- •No added salt or sugar
- •Expect refusals; repeated exposure over weeks does more than any single meal
Mess is the method
Smearing, dropping and squeezing are how babies learn about texture. A splat mat and a long-sleeved bib will do more for your patience than any feeding gadget.
Allergens and choking
Current guidance in many countries is to introduce common allergens early and regularly rather than delay them — but if there is a family history of allergy or eczema, ask your paediatrician first and follow their plan.
Learn the difference between gagging, which is loud and normal, and choking, which is silent. A short infant first-aid course is worth the evening.
In short
Small tastes, repeated calmly, with milk still doing the heavy lifting. Ask your paediatrician about timing and allergens.
This guide is general information for parents, not medical advice. For anything about your child's health, feeding or development, speak with your paediatrician.