Starting Solids: A Simple Guide to Weaning and First Purées

Starting solids is an exciting milestone, and for many parents a slightly nerve-wracking one. When should you begin? What should you offer first? Here's a simple, practical guide to help you and your baby enjoy those first meals.

When to start

Most babies are ready for solids at around six months. Signs of readiness include sitting up with support, good head control, showing interest in food, and no longer pushing food out with their tongue. Always check with your pediatrician before starting, especially if your baby was born prematurely.

Purées or baby-led weaning?

There are two popular approaches, and many families combine them:

• Purées: smooth, spoon-fed foods that make it easy to control texture and portions.
• Baby-led weaning: offering soft finger foods so your baby explores and self-feeds.

Neither is "better" — the right choice is the one that suits your baby and your routine.

First foods to try

• Single-ingredient vegetable purées: carrot, sweet potato, butternut squash.
• Fruit purées: apple, pear, banana.
• Baby cereals mixed with milk.

Introduce one new food at a time and wait a couple of days before the next, so you can spot any reactions.

Tools that make it easier

The right equipment turns messy mealtimes into calm ones. A spoon bottle lets you dose purée or cereal directly through a soft spoon tip, reducing spills and waste, handy at home and on the go.

Our recommendation

The BabyCloudy™ 2-in-1 Spoon Bottle combines a measured dispenser with a soft spoon, perfect for purées and cereals. Find it in our Feeding & Baby Bottles collection.

Every baby develops at their own pace. Ask your pediatrician for guidance tailored to your child.