Babies’ nutritional needs change as they grow. Most are ready to consume solid foods alongside breastmilk or formula—known as complementary feeding—at around six months. However, it's important to look for signs of readiness in your baby before you change their diet.

There are three main signs of readiness:

Your baby is sitting up without help

One of the first signs of readiness for solid foods is the ability to sit up unsupported. This means your baby can sit upright without support and can hold their head steady. This is important for safe eating and swallowing.

Hand-eye coordination

Another important sign is that your baby can coordinate their eyes, hands, and mouth so they can look at their food, pick it up, and put it in their mouth.

Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex and swallowing

The tongue-thrust reflex is a natural reflex that babies have to push foreign objects out of their mouth. When babies are ready for solid foods, they lose this reflex, allowing them to swallow food.

The following signs may be seen in addition to these three main signs:

Interest in food

Your baby may appear captivated by or reach for your food. They may also open their mouths when you offer a spoon or food.

Increased appetite

If your baby seems to be hungry more often than usual and is still not satisfied after a feeding, they may be ready for solid foods. This is because solid foods are more filling than breastmilk or formula. A health professional may be able to guide you based on your baby's growth and weight gain. It is important to know that waking up in the night (more than usual) is normal baby behaviour and not necessarily a sign of hunger.

Chewing and digestion

Babies need to be able to chew or gum food to be able to eat solid foods safely. If your baby is dribbling a lot and putting toys or other objects in their mouth, it may be a sign that they are ready to start chewing or gumming food. Your baby's digestive system must be ready to handle solid foods. Signs of digestive system readiness include less frequent and more formed stools and less spitting up or reflux.

Please remember that not every baby will show these signs at the same age. Some babies appear ready as early as four months. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies should be introduced to foods other than breast milk or infant formula only when they are about six months old. Introducing foods before four months old is not recommended. The NHS guidance also recommends solid foods should be gradually introduced from around six months, alongside breast or infant feeds.

Introducing solid foods too early can increase the risk of choking, and doing it before six months can reduce the amount of breast milk consumed. It is also associated with a greater risk of infectious illness in infants.

Giving solid foods to breastfed infants earlier than is recommended may also reduce breast milk intake without increasing total energy intake or weight gain.

Development may be delayed if you introduce solid food too late. Consult a doctor if you feel your baby may not be eating properly or if they are still refusing solids by seven-to-eight months old.

You may like to start with single-ingredient mashes or purees and gradually introduce new foods one at a time. Be mindful of any adverse reactions that may be signs of an allergy or intolerance. You may find it helpful to keep a food diary.

Signs of Readiness for Solid Foods

Unii’s Baby Nutrition Journey highlights signs of readiness for solid food.