If you’re staring at your baby thinking, “Are we doing this now?”—you’re in good company. Most parents feel a mix of excitement and nerves when solids come up. The good news is: you don’t have to guess. Readiness is less about hitting a magic age and more about a few clear developmental signs.
Quick answer (featured snippet-friendly):
Most babies are ready to start solid foods at about 6 months, when they can sit with support, have good head/neck control, and show interest in food. Starting solids before 4 months is not recommended.
The best timing: around 6 months (and not before 4 months)
The CDC notes that babies can begin solids at about 6 months, and that introducing foods before 4 months is not recommended.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) similarly recommends introducing complementary foods at approximately 6 months.
Global guidance (WHO) also centers complementary feeding starting at 6 months, alongside continued breastfeeding when possible.
5 signs your baby is truly ready
Here are the readiness cues pediatric sources consistently point to:
1) Good head and neck control
Your baby should be able to hold their head up steadily while sitting in a high chair or feeding seat.
2) Sitting with minimal support
They don’t need to sit perfectly unassisted for long periods, but they should sit upright well enough to swallow safely.
3) Interest in food
If your baby watches you eat, reaches toward food, opens their mouth, or seems excited when food is near—those are classic “I’m curious!” signals.
4) The tongue-thrust reflex is fading
You may notice they don’t automatically push a spoon right back out with their tongue anymore. This is one reason many babies do better closer to 6 months.
5) Bringing things to the mouth
Babies who explore toys with their mouth often transition more smoothly to learning how to manage food textures.
What if my baby is “almost” ready?
That’s normal. Readiness can be gradual. If your baby has some signs (like interest in food) but struggles with posture or head control, it’s okay to pause and try again in a week or two. You’re not “missing a window.”
If your baby was born prematurely or has medical issues, ask your pediatrician about timing based on your baby’s adjusted age and development.
A quick safety note before you start
- Use an upright, supportive feeding setup (high chair / safe seat).
- Start with age-appropriate textures and avoid choking hazards.
- Keep meals calm and short—solids early on are mostly about learning, not volume.
What about allergenic foods (egg, peanut, etc.)?
Current CDC guidance supports introducing potentially allergenic foods when you introduce other foods, rather than delaying them.
If your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, talk to your pediatrician for a personalized plan.
Medical note: This article is for education and does not replace medical advice. If you’re concerned about allergy risk or growth, your pediatrician is the best partner.
For most babies, yes—introducing solids before 4 months is not recommended. Many babies do best closer to 6 months, when readiness signs are present.
Good head control, sitting upright with minimal support, and clear interest in food (watching you eat, reaching, opening mouth).
That can be the tongue-thrust reflex. It often fades as babies get closer to readiness for solids.
No—babies can manage soft foods without teeth.
Hunger alone isn’t a readiness sign. Look for posture/head control and interest in food too.
Preterm babies may need timing based on adjusted age and development. It’s best to confirm with your pediatrician.
