Is Your Baby Ready to Start Solids?

What to Look For Before That First Bite

Readiness isn’t just about age—it’s about ability, curiosity, and confidence.

Prefer to listen?

Feeling the Pressure to Start Solids?

If your baby just hit six months, you might be hearing it from everyone:

  • “Have you started solids yet?”

  • “Back in my day, we gave rice cereal at four months!”

  • “Instagram says I’m behind…”

Meanwhile, your baby?
Maybe they’re reaching for your food…
Maybe they’re gnawing on the TV remote…
Maybe they’re just sitting there, drooling.

Let’s slow it all down. Because starting solids isn’t a race—it’s a readiness milestone. And just like rolling over, crawling, or sleeping through the night… babies get there on their own time.

Let’s break down exactly how to know if your baby is truly ready to start solids—with clarity, confidence, and zero pressure.

Baby-Led Weaning Readiness: It’s Not Just About Age

Six months is often tossed around as the magical starting line—but here’s the real deal:

Just because your baby turns six months doesn’t mean they’re automatically ready for solids. Some babies are good to go right at 6 months. Others? Not quite there until closer to 7.

That’s not a red flag—it’s just real life.

“Age is a guideline, not a green light.”

4 Signs Your Baby Is Ready to Start Solids

To start baby-led weaning safely, your baby should meet all four of these readiness signs:

1. Sitting Up Unassisted
Your baby should be able to sit upright without constantly tipping over. A little wobble is okay—but they need solid trunk control to help protect their airway and stay stable while eating.

2. Good Head and Neck Control
No flopping or bobble-heading here. Your baby should be able to hold their head steady and in line with their body—this is key for safe swallowing.

3. Showing Interest in Food
Does your baby grab at your plate? Watch you eat with laser focus? Open their mouth when food comes near? That’s their way of saying, “Hey, what’s that? Can I try?”

4. Loss of the Tongue Thrust Reflex
This reflex causes babies to push things out of their mouth with their tongue. If your baby spits out spoons or pacifiers reflexively, they might still have it. Once it fades, they’re more capable of handling solids safely.

If your baby checks all four boxes? That’s your green light.
If not quite yet? That’s okay. Waiting a bit longer is not falling behind. It’s setting the stage for a smoother, safer start.

Why It’s Okay to Wait a Little Longer

So your baby just turned six months but doesn’t sit steadily yet?
Or maybe they’re curious about food but still pushing it out with their tongue?

You’re not late. You’re paying attention.

Here’s what happens when you wait until your baby is truly ready:

  • Mealtimes go smoother

  • Gagging decreases

  • Feeding feels more fun (and less frustrating)

You’re not missing a “critical window”—you’re supporting your baby’s developmental timing.

Babies Develop on Their Own Timeline

If your baby was born early, they might need more time to hit those readiness signs. That’s normal.

No two babies are the same. And there's no medal for starting solids the fastest.

What matters more than the calendar?
Watching your baby with curiosity instead of pressure.

Still Not Sure If Your Baby Is Ready?

Here’s what to try:

  • Watch them in their high chair. Can they sit upright without slumping?

  • Eat around them. Do they show interest in what’s on your plate?

  • Offer a spoon with breast milk or formula. Do they bring it to their mouth or push it out?

These low-pressure moments can tell you a lot about your baby’s readiness.

And remember: you know your baby best.
Your pediatrician is a great resource, but not all are deeply trained in infant feeding. Trust your instincts.

Let’s Recap: Baby-Led Weaning Readiness Signs

To safely start solids, your baby should:

  • ✅ Be at least six months old

  • ✅ Sit up with minimal or no support

  • ✅ Hold their head and neck steadily

  • ✅ Show interest in food

  • ✅ Have lost the tongue thrust reflex

If even one piece isn’t quite there yet?
Give it a little more time. You’re not behind. You’re building a confident foundation—for both of you.

Solids should feel like a celebration—not a stressor.

Want Support Starting Solids the Confident Way?

Inside my free class, Orientation Day: Baby-Led Weaning 101, I walk you through:
✔️ How to know when your baby is really ready
✔️ What signs matter most—and what doesn’t
✔️ What to do before that first bite
✔️ How to start solids with calm, not chaos

✨ Click here to watch Orientation Day and start your baby’s feeding journey feeling clear, capable, and supported.

Over to You—Is Your Baby Showing Any Readiness Signs?

I’d love to hear what you’re seeing! Drop a comment below or come say hi on Instagram @babyledweaningacademy. Let’s celebrate every step of this journey together. 💛