When to Start Solids
WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, then start complementary foods after 6 months. The following signs show your baby is ready:
- Can sit steadily with support
- Shows interest in adult food
- Tongue-thrust reflex disappeared (no longer pushes spoon out with tongue)
- Weight reaches twice the birth weight
Order of Introducing Solids
Stage 1: 6 Months
- Iron-fortified rice cereal: from thin to thick, from little to more
- Root vegetable puree: carrot, pumpkin, potato
- Fruit puree: apple, banana, pear (steamed then pureed)
Stage 2: 7–8 Months
- Leafy greens: spinach, broccoli, bok choy (blanched then pureed)
- Meat: chicken, pork, beef puree
- Egg yolk: start from 1/4, watch for allergies
- Congee and soft noodles
Stage 3: 9–12 Months
- Finger foods: steamed carrot sticks, small broccoli florets, banana chunks
- Minced foods: minced meat and vegetable congee, soft rice
- Whole egg: if yolk caused no allergy, try egg white
- Yogurt, unsweetened cheese
Key Points for Preparing Solids
- No salt or sugar before age 1: baby’s kidneys are not fully developed; natural flavors are enough
- Introduce only one new food at a time: observe 2–3 days to rule out allergies
- Make and serve fresh: finish solids within 2 hours; don’t serve leftovers
- Gradually transition texture: puree – minced – small pieces – finger foods
Common Questions
- What if baby refuses to eat?: don’t force; try again in a few days—may take 10–15 tries to accept a new food
- What about constipation?: increase fiber (prune puree, pear puree), drink more water
- What about allergies?: stop that food immediately; seek medical care for severe allergies
Introducing solids is a gradual process; patience and observation are key.
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