🍌 5 Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solid Food
Ready for Real Food? Let’s Find Out! 👶🍴
Watching your baby grow is full of adorable milestones, and one of the most exciting is the big leap from milk to solids! But when is the right time to start? Every baby is different, and knowing the right signs helps make this transition smooth, safe, and happy.
Here are the top 5 signs your baby is ready for their first tiny spoonfuls of solid food — and how to do it right! 🥄
🪑 1. Baby Can Sit Up With Minimal Support
Good head and neck control is super important before solids begin. If your baby can sit upright in a high chair or your lap with little to no wobbling, they might be ready for a more solid adventure!
🪑 Look for steady posture + alert eyes = Let’s eat!
👀 2. They Show Interest in What You’re Eating
If your little one stares at your food, tries to grab your plate, or mimics your chewing… that’s your baby saying: “Hey, I want some too!”
Babies are curious, and showing interest in food is a clear sign they’re ready to explore.
🍽️ Watching your spoon go from bowl to mouth? Big clue!
😋 3. They’ve Lost the Tongue-Thrust Reflex
In the early months, babies instinctively push things out of their mouths (like spoons). Around 5–6 months, they start to lose this reflex, which makes eating solids easier and safer.
👅 If the spoon stays in — it’s go time!
🕓 4. Baby is Still Hungry After Milk Feeds
If your baby is finishing full breast or formula feeds but still seems hungry, cranky, or restless, they may need something more filling. That “milk-only” phase might be nearing its end.
🥛 + 🥣 = A happy, full tummy
🧠 5. Age-Wise, They’re Around 6 Months Old
While age alone isn't everything, most babies are ready for solids between 5 to 6 months. Don’t rush it! Early solids (before 4 months) can cause digestive issues.
🍼 Until then, breast milk or formula is more than enough.
🍎 First Foods to Try (One at a Time!)
When you’re sure your baby is ready, start slow with gentle, single-ingredient foods:
🍠 Mashed sweet potato
🍌 Banana puree
🥕 Steamed & mashed carrots
🍚 Soft rice cereal (iron-fortified)
🥭 Small spoon of fruit puree (mango, apple)
Chota Tip: Follow the 3-day rule — wait 3 days between new foods to watch for allergies or reactions.
🛑 Foods to Avoid Early On
🚫 Honey (risk of infant botulism)
🚫 Whole nuts
🚫 Cow’s milk as a drink (OK in small cooking amounts)
🚫 Salt & sugar — baby kidneys aren’t ready!
👩🍳 What Moms Say:
“I started with banana puree and my baby made the cutest ‘yuck’ face — but now it’s her favorite snack!” — Simran, mom of 7-month-old Nia
“We made a little mealtime routine and my son got excited just seeing the spoon!” — Anjali, mom of 6-month-old Vivaan
📌 Quick Checklist: Is My Baby Ready for Solids?
✅ Sitting upright
✅ Good head control
✅ Shows interest in food
✅ Tongue-thrust reflex gone
✅ Age around 6 months
At ChotaBabu, we believe mealtime should be fun, safe, and full of messy smiles.
Follow the Your Babu Guidebook for more step-by-step support on your parenting journey 🧡