👶 ✅ Signs Baby is Ready for Solids

A Comprehensive Guide for Confident Weaning

Introducing solid foods — also called complementary feeding — is one of the most exciting milestones in your baby’s first year. While most babies are ready to begin solids at around 6 months of age, it’s important to look for specific developmental cues rather than relying on age alone.

These signs help ensure that your baby is physically and neurologically ready to handle foods beyond breast milk or formula, reducing the risk of choking and digestive discomfort while supporting a positive feeding experience.

🔍 The 6 Key Signs Your Baby is Ready:

1. 🧠 Good Head and Neck Control

Your baby can hold their head steady and upright for extended periods when sitting. This control is essential for safe swallowing and effective chewing, even with soft textures.

Why it matters: Weak neck muscles may increase the risk of choking or difficulty coordinating swallowing.

2. 🪑 Can Sit Upright with Little or No Support

Your baby can sit well in a high chair or on your lap, with their back straight and body aligned. Some may still need light support, but they shouldn’t slump or lean to the side excessively.

Why it matters: An upright posture helps food move safely down the throat and reduces choking risk.

3. 👅 Loss of the Tongue-Thrust Reflex

Also called the extrusion reflex, this is a natural defense mechanism in younger babies that causes them to push foreign objects (including food) out of their mouth. When this reflex fades, it’s a sign your baby is ready to try solids.

How to check: Offer a small spoon of purée. If your baby consistently pushes it out with their tongue, they may not be ready yet.

4. 👀 Increased Interest in Food

Your baby becomes visibly curious about food. They may:

• Watch you closely when you eat

• Open their mouth as you bring food to yours

• Try to grab your plate or spoon

• Lean forward when food is offered

Why it matters: This curiosity indicates they’re mentally and emotionally ready to begin their feeding journey.

5. 🖐️ Ability to Grasp Objects and Bring Them to the Mouth

Your baby can pick up toys or fingers and bring them to their mouth with coordination. This emerging hand-mouth coordination is important for self-feeding later on.

Why it matters: It's a strong sign of motor readiness and exploration — key parts of the feeding process.

6. 😋 Shows Hunger Even After Milk Feeds

Some babies begin to seem unsatisfied with milk alone. They may demand more frequent feeds, cry after nursing, or wake more often at night due to hunger. While these signs alone don’t confirm readiness, they can support other cues.

⚠️ Signs Your Baby Is Not Ready for Solids:

• Still pushes food out with their tongue

• Cannot sit upright even with support

• Shows little interest in food

• Frequently gags or chokes on small tastes

• Still relies solely on sucking reflex to explore

If your baby hasn’t shown the readiness signs by 7 months, consult your pediatrician to rule out any developmental concerns.

👩⚕️ A Gentle Reminder:

Even once your baby shows all the signs, the first foods should be simple, soft, and offered in very small amounts. Start with once a day, and allow your baby to lead the pace. Solids should complement, not replace, breast milk or formula at this stage.