When is the Best Time to Start?

Bellamy’s Organic recommends starting solids from 6 months. Before this, breastmilk or formula provides all the necessary nutrients, but by this stage, iron stores begin to decline, making solid foods an essential addition to the diet.

Babies are typically ready for solids around 6 months, but some may show signs between 4 and 6 months. Watch for readiness signals, as every baby develops at their own pace.

Important: Solids should never be introduced before 4 months, as a baby’s digestive system isn’t ready.

Signs of Readiness for Solids

Not sure if your baby is ready? Look for these cues:

• Has good head and neck control
• Can sit upright with minimal support
• Watches you eat and shows interest in food, reaching for it
• Can bring objects and food to their mouth
• Chews on fists
• Opens mouth for food and has a fading tongue-thrust reflex (doesn’t push food out automatically)

If your baby shows these signs, it’s time to start!

Making Mealtime Comfortable and Engaging

1. Pick the Right Time – Offer solids 30–60 minutes after a milk feed, when your baby is calm but not too hungry.
2. Ensure Safe Seating – Always feed your baby in a highchair with proper support to prevent choking.
3. Go Slow and Observe – Let your baby explore, touch, and taste food at their own pace.
4. Respect Their Signals – If your baby turns away, closes their mouth, or cries, stop feeding and try again later.
   

How to Safely Transition a Baby to Solids

• Start Small – Begin with 1–2 teaspoons of smooth, single-ingredient purees or soft foods.
  Tip: Let your baby hold a spoon while you feed them—it helps them feel in control while ensuring they get enough food.
• Gradually Increase Solids – Start with once a day and slowly increase to ½ cup as your baby becomes more comfortable.
• Keep Breastfeeds or Formula as the Main Source of Nutrition – Solid foods complement milk feeds but do not replace them in the first year.
  

Understand the Difference Between Gagging and Choking

Gagging is a normal part of learning to eat and helps babies manage food safely. It may involve coughing, retching, or watery eyes.

Choking, however, occurs when food blocks the airway, preventing breathing.
If a baby is silent, unable to cough, or struggling for air, immediate intervention such as back blows is necessary.

Preparing and Choosing Foods – Buy or Make?

Both homemade and store-bought baby foods can be great options, depending on your needs:

• Homemade purees allow full control over ingredients, flavours, and textures, making it easy to tailor meals to your baby’s stage of development.
• Organic store-bought options offer convenience while ensuring high-quality ingredients. Bellamy’s Organic products are certified organic, free from synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, and GMOs, supporting sustainable farming practices and greater ingredient transparency.

Example: Bellamy’s Organic Apple & Cinnamon Porridge is made with carefully selected organic ingredients, offering a nourishing and easy-to-prepare choice for busy parents.

Introducing Allergens: What You Need to Know

Current guidelines suggest that introducing common allergens before 12 months may help build tolerance and reduce the likelihood of food allergies. While every baby is different, offering these foods early in an age-appropriate way can be beneficial. Some key allergens to consider include:

• Egg – Ensure it’s well-cooked, such as scrambled or mashed
• Peanuts & Tree Nuts – Offer smooth nut butters, avoiding whole nuts
• Cow’s Milk (Dairy) – Can be included in foods but should not replace breastmilk or formula
• Soy – Found in tofu and soy-based baby foods
• Wheat – Introduce through soft bread, pasta or wheat-based infant cereals
• Fish & Shellfish – Serve well-cooked and mashed for easy consumption
• Sesame – Try tahini or sesame pastes in small amounts

When introducing allergens, start with a tiny portion of one new food at a time and observe for any reactions, such as rashes, vomiting, or swelling. If your baby has severe eczema or a family history of allergies, consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Once allergens are introduced, continuing to offer them regularly as part of a balanced diet is recommended.

Bellamy’s Organic Baby Pasta offers a gentle and convenient way to introduce wheat, making it easier to tick off one potential allergen while supporting your baby’s exploration of new foods.

Key Takeaways

• Breastfeeds or formula remain essential throughout the first year.
• Most babies are ready for solids around 6 months, but some may show signs between 4–6 months—watch for readiness signals.
• Start with smooth, iron-rich foods, gradually increasing texture and variety.
• Introduce allergens and offer them regularly.
• Pay attention to your baby’s responses and make mealtimes a positive experience.

Starting solids is an exciting journey! Focus on variety, balance, and safe feeding practices.

For more tips and advice, visit Bellamy’s Organic blog or speak with your healthcare professional.

References:

1. National Health and Medical Research Council. Infant feeding guidelines [Internet]. Canberra (AU): National Health and Medical Research Council; [cited 2024 Oct 12]. p. 86-88. Available from: https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/the_guidelines/n56_infant_feeding_guidelines.pdf
2. Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Gagging versus choking: Information for parents and caregivers [Internet]. Melbourne (AU): Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne; [cited 2025 Feb 15]. Available from: https://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/speech/200101%20FandE%20Gagging%20Choking%20A4%20FSheet_FA_WEB.pdf

1. Shaw V, editor. Clinical Paediatric Dietetics. 5th ed. Chichester (UK): Wiley Blackwell; 2020. Chapter 2.

This blog post is general in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a comprehensive and exhaustive set of guidelines. This blog post has been prepared in consultation with a qualified paediatric dietician. However, it is not tailored to individual circumstances and no material found in this post is intended to be a substitute for professional medical or health advice. If you require immediate medical attention, please contact emergency services immediately or seek alternative and appropriate medical services.