How much should my baby eat when starting solids?

Start small, often just a spoonful or two once a day, and let your baby guide how much they take. Stop when they turn away, close their mouth, or lose interest. Milk feeds remain the main source of nutrition, so solids are added on top rather than replacing them at first.

Do I need to wait three days between each new food?

You do not have to wait several days between foods unless your pediatrician advises it for your baby. Many parents still introduce one new food at a time so it is easier to spot a reaction. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has eczema, a known allergy, or a strong family history of allergies.

What foods should I avoid in the first year?

Avoid honey before 12 months because of the botulism risk, and skip added salt and sugar. Hold off on cow's milk as a main drink until after the first birthday. Also avoid choking hazards such as whole nuts, popcorn, whole grapes, and hard chunks; cut and soften foods instead.

Feeding · 6 months

Starting solids at 6 months: first foods, iron & allergens

She’s four months old and stares at my food smacking her lips — can I start solids? Most babies are ready to start solid foods around 6 months, once they can hold their head steady, sit with support, and show interest in food. Breast milk or formula stays the main source of nutrition through the first year, with solids added alongside. There is no single perfect first food, but iron-rich foods and early, regular allergen exposure both matter. Watch your baby's signals, go at their pace, and let your pediatrician confirm timing.

3 min read Feeding Updated June 2026

When and how to begin

Around 6 months is the usual starting point, but readiness varies from baby to baby. Look for the developmental signs rather than a fixed date, and check with your pediatrician before you begin.

Start with small amounts once a day, offered on a small spoon when your baby is calm and a little hungry but not upset. Many babies take only a spoonful or two at first, and that is fine. Keep offering breast milk or formula as usual; solids add to milk feeds, they do not replace them yet.

Can hold the head up steadily
Can sit with support
Opens the mouth and leans toward food
Can move food to the back of the mouth to swallow

First foods and iron

Iron is one of the main reasons to start solids around this age. Babies are born with iron stores that begin to run low around 6 months, so early foods should include good iron sources.

There is no required order of foods. You can offer iron-fortified infant cereal, pureed or well-cooked mashed meats, poultry, beans, or lentils. Single-ingredient foods make it easier to spot reactions, but you do not have to wait many days between new foods unless your pediatrician advises it. Offer a variety of textures and tastes over time, including vegetables and fruits, so your baby gets used to different foods.

Introducing allergens

Current guidance is to introduce common allergen foods early, around the time you start other solids, rather than holding them back. For most babies this lowers the chance of developing a food allergy.

Offer one new allergen at a time, at home, earlier in the day, so you can watch your baby for a few hours afterward. Once a food is tolerated, keep offering it regularly. If your baby has severe eczema, an existing food allergy, or a strong family history, talk to your pediatrician before starting allergens, since they may recommend a specific plan.

Peanut (as thinned peanut butter or peanut puff, never whole)
Egg (well cooked)
Dairy such as yogurt or cheese (not cow's milk as a drink before 12 months)
Wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish

Safety and what to skip

Always stay with your baby during meals and keep them seated and upright. Avoid choking hazards such as whole nuts, popcorn, hard raw vegetables, whole grapes, and chunks of meat or cheese; cut or mash food into soft, manageable pieces.

Do not add honey before 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism, and avoid added salt and sugar. Hold off on cow's milk as a main drink until after the first birthday. If you see signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling, vomiting, or trouble breathing, stop the food and get medical help right away.

Quick answers

How much should my baby eat when starting solids?: Start small, often just a spoonful or two once a day, and let your baby guide how much they take. Stop when they turn away, close their mouth, or lose interest. Milk feeds remain the main source of nutrition, so solids are added on top rather than replacing them at first.
Do I need to wait three days between each new food?: You do not have to wait several days between foods unless your pediatrician advises it for your baby. Many parents still introduce one new food at a time so it is easier to spot a reaction. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has eczema, a known allergy, or a strong family history of allergies.
What foods should I avoid in the first year?: Avoid honey before 12 months because of the botulism risk, and skip added salt and sugar. Hold off on cow's milk as a main drink until after the first birthday. Also avoid choking hazards such as whole nuts, popcorn, whole grapes, and hard chunks; cut and soften foods instead.

Sources & further reading

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This article was written against current AAP, CDC, and WHO guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For medical concerns, always consult a qualified healthcare provider.