Related topics
NICU Family Support®
Your gift helps provide comfort and support to families with a baby in the NICU.
Donation amount:
Join our efforts
Learn when you can make a difference to moms and babies.
- Breast milk is the best food for most babies.
- Try to breastfeed your baby for the first 6 months of life.
- Babies are ready to start solid food at about 5 or 6 months.
When should I give my baby solid foods?
Breast milk is the best food for most babies. It's best to give only breast milk for the first 6 months of life. Some babies might be ready to start solid foods between 4 to 6 months of age. When your baby is between 4 to 6 months, she may begin to show signs that she's ready to try some solid foods alongside her breast milk or formula. Watch for her developmental cues (signs) and she'll let you know when she's ready. Some signs that show your baby might be ready to start solid foods are:- She can sit with support.
- She shows a good head neck control when seated.
- She shows a desire for food by opening her mouth, drooling and leaning forward.
- She begins to chew and brings her hands to her mouth.
- She begins to handle objects with the palm of her hand.
- She swallows pureed food and the extrusion reflex starts to go away (tongue-thrust reflex).
Have questions?
Featured question:
How much vitamin D should my baby get?
