How and when to introduce solids - video
2-minute read
Your baby only needs breast milk or infant formula for the first 6 months. At around 6 months, you can start to introduce solid foods to your baby.
Tips on introducing solids
- Babies only need breast milk or formula for the first 6 months.
- At around 6 months, but not before 4 months, you can start to introduce solid foods.
- Your baby is ready for solids when they can sit up on their own in a highchair and shows an interest in food.
- Start with a small amount of soft pureed food once a day after a breast or formula feed.
- At around 8 to 9 months, move to mashed foods with lumps and texture.
- Allergy foods can be introduced at the same time and should be introduced before your baby is 12 months.
- Aim for lots of variety — colour, texture and taste are all important.
For advice and support, speak to your doctor, midwife or child health nurse.
Speak to a maternal child health nurse
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.