Should I Wait to Start Solids? What the Tongue Thrust Reflex Tells You
Why that push-back might actually mean “not yet,” not “no thanks.”
That push isn’t a sign that they hate the food. It’s not rejection. It’s a reflex.
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Welcome to Baby-Led Weaning Academy — the podcast that helps you start solids with confidence, clarity, and a whole lot of support.
I'm Alex King, a postpartum doula turned baby-led weaning specialist, and your go-to guide for ditching the overwhelm and making mealtimes feel simple, safe, and fun. Whether you're feeling unsure about where to start or just need a little encouragement — let’s dig in.
This is Episode 33: Should I Wait to Start Solids? What the Tongue Thrust Reflex Tells You
Today we’re diving into an often-talked-about but often misunderstood sign of readiness for solids: the tongue thrust reflex.
This was a tricky episode for me to record — mostly because "tongue thrust reflex" is a major tongue twister. 😅 But I knew I had to do it, because I get so many questions about it.
Whether you’ve never heard of it, or it came up in a parenting group or at your last checkup, or you’ve already tried feeding and noticed baby pushing food right back out… this one’s for you.
If you’ve ever wondered:
“Is this reflex a real reason to delay solids?”
“What if my baby keeps pushing food out?”
“Do I have to stop and wait? How do I know they’re really ready?”
…pull up a chair (or keep doing that contact nap — no judgment here), because I’m breaking it all down in a way that’s simple, clear, and rooted in baby development — not pressure or timelines.
What is the tongue thrust reflex?
This reflex is something babies are born with. It’s a built-in safety mechanism that helps protect their airway. When something touches the tip of their tongue or enters their mouth, they instinctively push it out.
Sounds kind of annoying when you’re trying to feed them — but it’s actually really smart. Their body is saying: “Not yet. I don’t know how to handle this safely.”
You might notice this if you offer a spoon and your baby immediately pushes it right back out… or if finger foods get mushed around and pushed out without much exploration.
Here’s the key: that push isn’t a sign they hate the food. It’s not rejection. It’s a reflex.
And if that reflex is still strong, it’s a pretty clear sign that their little mouth and nervous system aren’t quite ready to handle solids yet.
Why this matters for timing
This is one of the reasons I get concerned when traditional weaning is pushed too early.
Parents are often told to offer purées at 4 months — and when baby pushes the food back out, they’re encouraged to keep going. Sometimes, even to override the reflex by pushing the spoon further in.
That’s not only frustrating — it can actually be risky. Starting too soon (even with purées) can increase choking risk, because baby’s body isn’t ready to coordinate the swallow safely.
👉 That’s why I created a free guide called Puree the Baby-Led Way: From Spoons to Solids. It’s for families who want to use purées or combo feed — but want to follow baby’s cues and keep things safe.
You can grab it at babyledweaningacademy.com/puree.
You’ll start to notice that instead of automatically pushing food out, your baby starts to accept it into their mouth. They might move it around with their tongue. Gnaw a bit. Gum it. Maybe even swallow a little.
Even though food will still come back out (because babies are messy and learning), the movement is different. It’s no longer a reflexive push. It’s part of their exploration.
Sometimes the transition is gradual:
One day, they push food out every time.
The next week, it’s every other time.
Then it starts happening less and less… until it fades altogether.
And yes — that timeline can vary. Some babies lose the reflex at 6 months or even before. Others take a little longer. That’s okay.
In the meantime, you can support oral motor development with teethers or oral tools. (Not magic fixes — but they do help baby explore movement and sensation in the mouth.)
✨ I love the oral development tools from EZPZ — thoughtfully designed and super helpful at this stage. ezpzfun.com/blwacademy
So how do you know when the reflex is fading?
Why it matters for baby-led weaning
BLW depends on your baby’s ability to safely explore, move, and eventually swallow food.
Unlike spoon-feeding, where you might have more control, baby-led weaning gives your baby the lead — and to do that safely, their body has to be ready.
That’s why the disappearance of the tongue thrust reflex is a non-negotiable readiness sign.
Not because we’re trying to gatekeep solids… but because safety matters.
If you start too early, here’s what can happen:
Baby gets frustrated because their body isn’t ready
They gag more often (which is normal — but can be excessive when they’re not developmentally ready)
You start second guessing yourself because it all just feels off
And I don’t want that for you. I want you to feel good about starting solids. That’s why this step matters.
Let’s walk through a real-life example:
Let’s say you offer mashed avocado or a soft strip. Your baby immediately pushes it back out with their tongue.
You try again the next day. Same thing. And the next.
It’s tempting to think:
“Maybe she doesn’t like avocado.”
“Maybe she needs something sweeter.”
“Maybe she doesn’t like solids at all.”
But more likely? That reflex just hasn’t faded yet.
Trying food again and again when they’re not ready won’t speed up the process — it just adds frustration for both of you.
Instead, try waiting another week. One morning, you offer avocado again — and this time? She pulls it into her mouth with her hand, gums it a little… and swallows some.
That’s the magic.
Quick Recap — 5 Key Takeaways:
Look for the reflex. If baby pushes food or spoons out with their tongue every time, it’s still active.
Wait patiently. It’s totally normal for it to linger past 6 months.
Watch for the shift. When baby starts to move food around instead of pushing it out, the reflex is likely fading.
Trust the process. Waiting a few extra days (or even weeks) is better than starting too soon.
Ask for support. If your baby has low muscle tone or developmental concerns, check in with your pediatrician or feeding therapist.
Final Thoughts
Baby-led weaning is not a race. The goal isn’t to start “on time.” It’s to start when your baby is ready.
The tongue thrust reflex is one of the best clues we have to know when that is — so don’t stress if your baby isn’t quite there yet.
Keep watching. Keep modeling. And when the moment comes? You’ll both be ready. 💛
Need help figuring out if your baby is ready for solids?
📍 Episode 3 is all about signs of readiness.
Curious about using purées without overriding baby’s cues?
📍 Grab the free guide: babyledweaningacademy.com/puree
It’s full of tips to help you keep feeding safe, calm, and connected.
You’ve got this, mama. And I’ve got you.
Here’s to less tongue thrusting… and more taste testing. 🥄