Becoming a parent comes with plenty of exciting milestones, and introducing solid foods is one of the biggest. Around six months of age, many parents start wondering: Is my baby ready? What should I feed them first? Should I try baby-led weaning or stick with purees?

If you've been asking yourself these questions, you're not alone.

The good news? There isn't one "perfect" way to introduce solids. Every baby is different, and many families find success with a combination of traditional weaning and baby-led weaning.

Whether you're preparing that very first spoonful of puree or handing your baby their first piece of avocado, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before that exciting first bite.

In This Guide

We'll cover:

✔ Signs your baby is ready for solids

✔ Traditional weaning explained

✔ What baby-led weaning is

✔ Can you combine both methods?

✔ Safety tips for successful mealtimes

✔ Feeding essentials that make life easier

✔ Questions parents ask most

First Things First... Is Your Baby Ready?

Although many babies begin solids around six months of age, readiness is about more than just age.

Before introducing solid foods, look for these signs:

✔ Sitting upright with minimal support

✔ Good head and neck control

✔ Showing interest in the food you're eating

✔ Reaching for food or opening their mouth when food is offered

✔ Bringing toys and other objects to their mouth

If your baby is showing most of these signs, they may be ready to begin their feeding journey. If you're ever unsure, your healthcare provider can help determine when the time is right.

Exploring Your Feeding Options

There are two common approaches to introducing solid foods. Both are perfectly valid, and many families end up using a combination of the two.

Traditional Weaning

Traditional weaning is the approach many parents grew up with.

Babies are spoon-fed smooth purees before gradually moving on to mashed foods, soft textures, and eventually finger foods as their eating skills develop.

Many parents begin with iron-rich foods like infant cereal, pureed meats, lentils, or beans before introducing fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grains.

Traditional Weaning May Be a Great Fit If You...

• Prefer a structured feeding routine
• Like knowing approximately how much your baby is eating
• Feel more comfortable introducing textures gradually
• Want to spoon-feed during the early months

As your baby becomes more confident eating, they'll naturally begin exploring more textured foods and finger foods.

Baby-Led Weaning

Baby-led weaning (often called BLW) takes a different approach.

Instead of spoon-feeding purees, babies are offered soft, appropriately prepared finger foods that they pick up and feed themselves.

Some popular first foods include:

• Avocado slices
• Banana
• Steamed broccoli
• Sweet potato wedges
• Soft pear slices
• Scrambled eggs
• Toast fingers

Rather than focusing on how much your baby eats, baby-led weaning encourages exploration, independence, and learning through self-feeding.

Baby-Led Weaning May Be a Great Fit If You...

• Want your baby to self-feed from the beginning
• Enjoy family-style meals
• Want your baby to explore different textures early
• Don't mind a little extra mess!

The Best of Both Worlds

Here's something many new parents are surprised to learn:

You don't have to choose just one approach.

In fact, plenty of families successfully combine traditional weaning and baby-led weaning.

For example:

Breakfast: Spoon-fed oatmeal or yogurt

Lunch: Soft avocado slices and banana

Dinner: Mashed sweet potato alongside soft cooked vegetables

There are no strict rules. What matters most is finding an approach that feels comfortable for both you and your baby.

Before You Pull Up the High Chair...

No matter which feeding style you choose, safety should always come first.

Keep these tips in mind during every meal:

• Always supervise your baby while eating.
• Make sure your baby is sitting upright in a supportive high chair.
• Avoid choking hazards such as whole grapes, popcorn, nuts, and hard raw vegetables.
• Introduce common allergens one at a time, unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
• Learn the difference between gagging (which is common while learning to eat) and choking (which requires immediate action).

A little preparation can help make mealtime safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Mealtime Must-Haves

Starting solids doesn't require a kitchen full of gadgets—but having a few essentials can make cleanup and feeding much easier.

Some parent favourites include:

🥣 A supportive high chair

🥄 Soft silicone baby spoons

🍽️ Suction bowls and divided plates

🧽 Silicone bibs with catch pockets

🥤 Straw cups or open training cups

🧼 Easy-to-clean placemats

These simple tools can help create a comfortable, less stressful mealtime routine as your baby learns new skills.

Parents Ask, We Answer

When should I start feeding my baby solid foods?

Most babies are ready around six months of age, but it's just as important to watch for signs of developmental readiness rather than focusing only on age.

Can I combine baby-led weaning and spoon-feeding?

Absolutely.

Many families use a combination of both methods. Your baby might enjoy spoon-fed yogurt one meal and self-feed avocado or steamed vegetables at the next.

Is gagging normal?

Yes. Gagging is a normal protective reflex that helps babies learn how to manage food safely. While it can look alarming, gagging is different from choking. Taking an infant CPR course and learning the signs of choking can help parents feel more confident as they begin this new stage.

What are some good first foods?

Iron-rich foods are often recommended first, along with soft fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Every baby is different, so don't worry if they don't love every food right away—it often takes several exposures before babies accept new flavours and textures.

How much should my baby eat?

When babies first begin solids, breast milk or formula remains their primary source of nutrition. Think of solids as an opportunity to explore new tastes, textures, and skills while gradually increasing food intake over time.

...One Bite at a Time 

Starting solids is about so much more than nutrition—it's about watching your baby discover new tastes, textures, and experiences for the very first time.

Some meals will be messy. Some foods will end up on the floor instead of in little mouths. There may be funny faces, favourite foods, and a few rejected bites along the way—and that's all part of the journey.

Whether you choose traditional weaning, baby-led weaning, or a little bit of both, remember that every family finds their own rhythm. Trust your baby's cues, enjoy the process, and celebrate the small wins.

Before you know it, those first tiny bites will become family dinners, favourite snacks, and memories you'll look back on with a smile.