25 Sept 2023
Hey there, awesome parents! You might be wondering when you should start introducing solid foods to your baby? According to Australian guidelines, you should begin introducing solid foods around six months of age (but not before four months).
Signs Bub is ready to get messy: The sweet spot is around 4-6 months, but exactly will be determined by your baby and if they are showing signs of readiness:
sitting supported with good head control
opening their mouth when food is offered
showing interest in food
reaching out to grab food
How to Start Introducing Solid Foods
Start by offering your baby a smooth food (think Puree or soft mash) after a breastfeed or formula feed.
Initially only small amounts are actually eaten – one or two teaspoons. Most of it will end up on their clothes, the floor and you (or ceiling if they’re like our kids)
Do this once a day and as your baby grows and develops increase to 3 meals per day, given before milk feeds.
Foods can be introduced in any order, but it’s best to introduce one at a time.
Follow your baby’s lead and gradually change the texture of foods as they get better at eating – smooth, mashed, minced, or cooked and chopped.
Finger foods are great for fine motor skills but do your research, so you know what size/ texture is safe to give bub.
Focus on iron-rich foods to help prevent iron deficiency, then add foods such as pureed vegetables, fruits & dairy.
How important is variety when starting solids?
Aim to offer a variety of meals and snacks from the 5 food groups each day.
Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, legumes (beans). This group provides protein and iron.
Grains, e.g. oats, bread, rice, pasta, couscous, quinoa.
Dairy, e.g. full-fat yogurt, cheese.
Fruits – offer a variety of fresh, frozen, or tinned.
Vegetables and legumes (beans).
The freezer is your friend!
Any foods my baby should avoid?
Some foods are not suitable for babies under 12 months:
Honey (due to the risk of infant botulism)
Undercooked/raw eggs including soft-boiled/homemade mayonnaise – may contain harmful bacteria
Added salt or sugar
Reduced fat dairy – yogurt and cheese should be from whole milk until 2 years
Cow’s milk should not be given as the main milk drink until 1 year of age (can cause iron deficiency)
Unpasteurized cow’s milk due to the risk of serious gastrointestinal illnesses.
Caffeinated drinks (such as tea and coffee), fruit juice, cordial and soft drinks
Choking hazards – raw veggies, apples, popcorn, whole nuts, cherry tomatoes/uncut grapes, etc
Check out Taste Bubs‘ website and socials for more information!
Meet the author
Dr. Mariam Chaalan is a family doctor, clinical researcher and a devoted mother to twin boys. She actively works to improve health literacy through her presence on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where she can be found at @ask.the.dr. She collaborates with @pinkelephantssupport to provide support and guidance to parents navigating the challenging journey of miscarriage and infertility, a topic that holds a special place in her heart. Her dedication to advocacy extends beyond social media. Dr. Mariam represented the Medical Women's Society at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and has contributed articles to respected publications like the SMH and Mamamia. She is a regular guest on The Project and offers health, leadership, and lifestyle advice to prominent companies and schools. As a co-founder of Taste Bubs, Dr. Mariam is actively involved in Australia's first early allergen introduction product. With a focus on reducing allergies in children, she strives to make a difference in the lives of families across the country.
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