When to Introduce Solids to Babies

As they approach 6 months, your baby will probably show signs of being ready to take solids. You may have noticed this already. Maybe they always seem hungry and begin to wake again during the night for a feed (when they used to sleep through). Or maybe they are not putting on weight. They will become interested in watching you eat. At this stage they can sit with support and may reach out for food.

There are differing professional opinions on whether to introduce solids at around 4 months or 6 months. The current Australian recommendation is to wait until around 6 months, as breastmilk or formula is sufficient for their nutritional needs until then.

If your baby hasn’t yet started solids, it’s time to think about it now. It is important to introduce solids by around 6 months because they need the extra nutrition (especially iron) as well as practice in chewing. This helps develop their jaw muscles in preparation for speech. They are also able to sit supported, hold their head up and reach for foods, and have the hand to mouth coordination to grasp finger food and put it in their mouths.

It is important to introduce solids by around 6 months because they need the extra nutrition (especially iron) as well as practice in chewing.