Starting Solids with a Breastfed Baby

If you’re nearing the 6-month mark and feeling the pressure to start solids, take a deep breath. The truth is—not all babies are quite ready to dive into food the moment they hit 6 months. And that’s okay.

You might even feel like you’re “behind” if your baby shows zero interest in what’s on your plate, while your friend’s baby is already double-fisting bananas and scrambled eggs. But the truth is, readiness for solids varies—and it’s perfectly normal for breastfed babies to take their sweet time easing into food.

Signs of Readiness (It’s More Than Just Age)

While 6 months is the general recommendation, it’s just a guideline—not a rule. Some babies are ready a little earlier, and some later. True signs of readiness include:

• Sitting up well

• Good head and neck control

• Bringing toys or hands to their mouth

• Showing interest in food (reaching, watching you eat, mimicking chewing)

• Losing the tongue-thrust reflex (no longer automatically pushing food out)

If your baby doesn’t seem quite there yet, don’t panic. Patience is a gift to both of you (looking at you, messy floors.) My own babies weren’t truly engaged in eating until closer to 8–9 months, and they’re doing just fine. The first year really is all about exploring food—not eating for nutrition. Your baby is perfectly well nourished just as they are!

I do not recommend starting solids at 4 months!

Here are my go-to starting solid supplies!

Food Before One Is Just for Fun

During the first year, breast milk remains your baby’s primary source of nutrition. Starting solids isn’t about replacing breastfeeds—it’s about play, curiosity, and learning. Think of mealtimes as a chance to introduce your baby to the experience of eating: the smells, the textures, the colors, the social side of sharing a meal.

Even if barely any food makes it into their mouth at first, that’s okay. It’s not about how much they eat—it’s about exposure.

Purees or Baby-Led Weaning: You Don’t Have to Pick a Side

There’s a lot of chatter out there about baby-led weaning vs. spoon-feeding, and it can feel like a big decision. Here’s the good news—you don’t have to choose one path and stick to it rigidly.

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a fancy term that simply means allowing baby to feed themselves from the start with safe, appropriately prepared foods. It can sound intimidating at first, especially when you’re worried about choking—but with a little education on how to safely prepare foods, it can be a great way to let baby take the lead.

You can also absolutely do both—offer purees and soft finger foods (that’s my preferred method for my kiddos.) It’s not all or nothing. Many families find a blended approach works best for them.

Safety First: How to Prepare Foods by Age

Proper food prep matters more than whether it’s spoon-fed or self-fed. Here are a few simple tips:

6–9 Months:

• Soft and easy to squish

• Larger pieces baby can hold (about the size of your finger)

• Examples:

  • Steamed veggie sticks (carrot, sweet potato)

  • Ripe banana or avocado spears

  • Scrambled eggs in strips

  • Toast strips with mashed food spread on top

  • Quartered strawberries

Big pieces are actually safer at this stage—they’re easier for baby to hold and gnaw on.

9–12 Months

• Soft, bite-sized pieces as baby learns to pick up smaller items

• Examples:

  • Diced soft fruits and veggies

  • Shredded meat

  • Small pasta shapes

  • Soft beans

Avoid choking hazards like whole grapes, raw carrots, or thick nut butter.

Water and Cups

Once solids are on the table (literally), it’s okay to start offering a small amount of water—usually around 6 months. A straw cup is a great way to introduce this! It’s less about hydration and more about motor skill practice and exploring new routines.

These are my favorite cups for 6 moths and beyond!

Keep It Light, Keep It Joyful

This stage is supposed to be messy, silly, and slow. It’s okay if baby mostly plays with their food for the first few months. My babies were just as happy squishing avocado in their hands at 7 months as they were eating it. And that’s part of the process. Play is how babies learn.

Try not to stress about how much they’re eating or if it’s happening “on time.” You’re not behind. You’re doing it right—following your baby’s lead, one playful bite at a time.

Concerned about your baby? Need help starting solids or beginning water with a breastfed baby?