5 Signs Baby Is Ready For Solids
On this Page:
- How to recognise the signs baby is ready for solids?
- 1. Your baby is between 4 – 6 months
- 2. Your baby can sit up
- 3. Your baby shows an interest in food
- 4. They voluntarily open their mouth
- 5. Your baby has doubled their birth weight
- Final Thoughts
Are you concerned about recognising the signs baby is ready for solids? With all the information available you may be concerned about whether to start solids at 4 months or wait until 6 months. It can be so confusing to know the right thing to do, especially as every baby develops differently.
The short answer is that there are no absolute correct signs baby is ready for solids. In this article, we will explain the combination of signs you should be looking out for. For a closer look at the timing debate, see our guide on starting solids at 4 months vs 6 months.
How to recognise the signs baby is ready for solids?
Introducing solid foods is a significant milestone in your baby’s development and it happens within their first year. However, there’s no need to rush. All your baby’s nutritional needs are being met with exclusive breastfeeding, or formula feeding, until they are 6 months old. Babies are born with enough iron reserves until this age. Nonetheless, they will need extra iron and vitamins for their future developmental goals.
In addition, a young baby will still have a natural tongue reflex which they will need to grow out of before introducing solids. This tongue reflex is a natural reflex that helps to push objects out of a young baby’s mouth to prevent choking. They normally grow out of this stage between 4–6 months of age.
While age is a significant factor, every baby develops differently, so there are other signs baby is ready for solids that you can look out for.
1. Your baby is between 4 – 6 months
Experts recommend that you start your baby on solid foods no earlier than 4 months old, but no later than 6 months. All babies should be receiving the bulk of their feeds and nutrition from breastmilk or formula until they are at least 6 months old. Studies show the longer you wait, your baby may get used to feeding habits that become difficult to change. However, as every baby develops differently, you should never force them to start eating solids.
You can read more about a 4 month old feeding schedule and solid foods here.
2. Your baby can sit up
Your baby should be able to sit up by themselves or with a little help from a high-chair. They should have good head and neck control, which means your baby can hold their head up by themselves, or with a little support. Good head and neck control is needed for your baby to hold their head steady so they can eat properly and avoid choking. It also shows they have enough core strength to develop the motor skills needed for self-feeding.
3. Your baby shows an interest in food
A good sign your baby is ready for solids is that they are showing an interest in your food. Things to look out for include watching your plate or reaching out for your food. Babies put things in their mouth as a means to explore, so if they are showing an interest, try them with a little food. They may spit it out at first, but don’t worry – this can also be a sign they are not quite ready.
4. They voluntarily open their mouth
Another good sign is if your baby voluntarily opens their mouth when you offer a little food on a spoon. Never try to force a baby to eat solid foods. They will show an interest by leaning forward to take the spoon. If they clamp their mouth shut, or turn their head away, they are either not hungry or not ready. Keep breast or formula feeding and try again in a few days.
5. Your baby has doubled their birth weight
You may have read that your baby should have at least doubled their birth weight as one of the signs baby is ready for solids. While this is a good sign, it’s not necessarily a rule of thumb. Most babies will double their birth weight between 4–6 months of age. A premature baby may double their weight much earlier. It’s much more important to notice that your baby has developed the motor skills and oral co-ordination needed to deal with solid foods.
Final Thoughts
Starting solids will not be the miracle cure for a good night’s sleep. It will take time for your baby to adapt to solids and to be taking enough to feel full. Introduce new foods slowly and allow a few days in between to check for any allergic reactions.
Introducing solids can cause tummy upsets which may result in your baby not sleeping enough. Keep an eye on your baby’s nappy, how often they need changing, and the colour and texture of the poop. If you are concerned about your baby’s bowel movements, always consult a health care worker.
The best sign baby is ready for solids is when your baby shows the necessary skills and an interest in food. As every baby develops differently, it’s really important not to pressure your baby to start solid foods. They will guide you about when they are ready and how much they will eat.
Always start with simple pureed foods that your baby can easily swallow, and monitor your baby for any food allergies.
Related reading
Starting Solids at 4 Months vs 6 Months: What the Evidence Says – what Australian guidelines and the evidence say about the best time to begin.
References
Australian Breastfeeding Association; Raising Children Network.
