Six-Month-Old Feeding Milestones: A Guide to Starting Solids

Congratulations to making it to six months of parenting! You’ve survived the newborn stage, countless diaper changes, and sleep deprivation that could rival Navy SEAL training. Now, you’re entering an exciting new phase: introducing solids! Six-month-old feeding milestones means that most babies are ready to explore the world of food. Although, not that much of it will actually make it into their mouths just yet. 🤣

Is My Baby Ready for Solids?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that babies start solid foods around six months of age. But how do you know if your little one is truly ready? Here are some key signs:

• Good head and neck control – baby can sit up with minimal support and hold their head steady
• Interest in food – baby stares longingly at food, reaches for your food, or tries to steal your fork
• Ability to bring objects to their mouth – Babies need to be able to grab food and bring it to their mouth

If your baby meets these criteria and you have gotten the go ahead from your pediatrician, it’s time to dive into the wonderful (and very messy) world of solid foods!

How Much and How Often Should Babies Eat?

According to the AAP, at six months, solid foods should complement—not replace—breast milk or formula. Here’s a general guideline:

• Start with once a day – One meal per day is enough when first introducing solids. You can gradually increase to two or three meals per day over the next couple of months.
• Small portions – Begin with about 1-2 teaspoons of food and increase to a few tablespoons as your baby gets used to eating.
• Follow baby’s cues – If your baby turns their head, closes their mouth, or pushes the spoon away, they may be full or not interested. And that’s okay! Keep it fun and pressure-free.

First Foods to Try

Now, the big question: what should be on the menu? Here are some great first foods that are safe and nutritious for six-month-old feeding milestones:

Single-Ingredient Purees

• Iron-fortified baby cereals (mixed with breast milk or formula)
• Pureed avocado
• Sweet potatoes, carrots, or squash (steamed and blended)
• Apples or pears (cooked and pureed)

Soft Finger Foods (for Baby-Led Weaning)

If you’re following baby-led weaning (BLW), you can skip purees and offer soft, easy-to-grasp foods:

• Steamed broccoli florets
• Slices of ripe avocado
• Soft scrambled eggs
• Strips of well-cooked chicken or tofu

Common Allergens

The AAP now recommends introducing allergenic foods early (around six months) to reduce the risk of allergies. Consider trying:

• Peanut butter (thinned with breast milk or water)
• Well-cooked eggs
• Dairy (plain yogurt, cheese)
• Fish and shellfish

Introduce one new food every 3-5 days to monitor for any allergic reactions like rash, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. If you have a family history of allergies, talk to your pediatrician first.

Let’s Talk About Texture

Texture is key when introducing solids. Babies need to experience different consistencies to develop oral motor skills. Here’s what to expect for six-month-old feeding milestones:

• Stage 1 (6 months) – Smooth purees or soft, mashed foods.
• Stage 2 (7-8 months) – Thicker purees, soft finger foods.
• Stage 3 (8-10 months) – Chunkier textures and more variety.

And yes, it’s totally fine for your baby to get messy! Squishing, smearing, and wearing their food is all part of the sensory experience. It helps them get comfortable with different textures and makes mealtime more enjoyable (for them, at least—your floor might disagree).

What If My Baby Won’t Eat?

If your baby seems uninterested or refuses solids, don’t stress! Eating is a new skill, and some babies take longer to get the hang of it. A few things to try:

• Offer different foods – They may not like carrots, but sweet potatoes could be a hit.
• Try different times of the day – Some babies are more receptive in the morning or after a nap.
• Let them self-feed – Some babies prefer to explore food on their own rather than be spoon-fed.
• Be patient – Keep mealtime pressure-free. It’s okay if they just play with the food at first.

A Few Things to Avoid

While many foods are safe, some should be avoided:

• Honey – Can cause botulism in babies under one year.
• Whole nuts, grapes, and popcorn – Choking hazards.
• Cow’s milk as a drink – Dairy is fine in small amounts (like yogurt or cheese), but pure cow’s milk until after their first birthday.
• Added sugar and salt – Keep foods as natural as possible.

Additional Resource: Solid Starts App

If you’re looking for extra guidance, the Solid Starts app is a fantastic tool for introducing solid foods to babies. Available on the App Store and Google Play, it offers:

• Food database – Learn how to introduce over 400 foods with nutrition information, choking guidance, and serving instructions.
• Meal ideas – Get inspired with new meal ideas and recipes.
• Personalized content – Access tips and articles tailored to your baby’s age and stage.
• Video demonstrations – Watch real babies eating different foods.
• Subscription features – Track food introduction, record reactions, save favorite foods, and log milestones.

The app was created by a team of experts, including board-certified pediatricians, infant feeding therapists, swallowing specialists, allergists, and dietitians, ensuring that the guidance is evidence-based and safe for your baby

The Bottom Line

Starting solids makes six-month-old feeding milestones fun (and hilariously messy). At six months, food is about exploration and learning, not calorie intake. Keep it relaxed, follow your baby’s cues, and embrace the mess—because let’s be honest, most of the food will end up on the floor, in their hair, or mysteriously inside their diaper. Happy feeding!

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