Baby First Food: When, What, and How Much to Start

Most babies are ready for their first food around 6 months old, when they can sit unassisted, hold their head up, and show interest in your food. The AAP and WHO both recommend starting solids around 6 months, with iron-rich foods like iron-fortified cereal, pureed meat, or well-cooked beans as the first choice.

When Is My Baby Ready for Their First Solid Food?

Most babies are ready around 6 months old. Look for these signs: sitting unassisted for a few seconds, holding their head steady, opening their mouth when food comes, leaning forward, and showing interest in what you're eating. The AAP says every baby is different — some are ready at 5 months, others closer to 7 months. Never start before 4 months, as the gut and immune system aren't ready.

What Is the Best First Food for a Baby?

The best first food is iron-rich. The AAP and WHO both recommend iron-fortified infant cereal, pureed meat (chicken, turkey, lentils), or well-cooked beans as first foods. Historically rice cereal was standard, but today experts note that iron is the most critical nutrient at 6 months. Pureed sweet potato, avocado, or banana are fine as secondary foods. Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons once a day, then increase slowly.

How Much Should My Baby Eat at Each Meal in the First Month?

In the first month of solids, expect 1 to 4 teaspoons per meal, once or twice a day. The AAP emphasizes that breast milk or formula remains the main nutrition source until 12 months. Most babies will spit out, play with, or reject food at first — this is normal exploration. By 8 months, most babies eat 2 to 3 tablespoons per meal 2 to 3 times a day.

How Often Should I Offer New Foods?

Introduce one new food at a time, waiting 3 to 5 days between new foods to watch for reactions (rash, vomiting, diarrhea). The AAP notes that common allergens — peanut, egg, dairy, wheat, soy, fish, and tree nuts — should be introduced early and around 6 months, not delayed. In fact, early introduction of peanut around 6 months reduces the risk of peanut allergy by up to 80%, per LEAP study.

Is Baby-Led Weaning Better Than Purees?

Both approaches work. The AAP says there is no evidence that baby-led weaning (offering finger foods from the start) is nutritionally better than traditional purees. What matters is that iron-rich foods are offered, textures progress appropriately, and mealtimes are supervised. Many parents combine both — purees first, then finger foods by 7 to 8 months. Always stay within arm's reach and avoid choking hazards like whole grapes, nuts, or chunks of hard food.

Bottom line: Start solids around 6 months when baby sits, holds their head up, and shows food interest. Choose iron-rich first foods like fortified cereal or pureed meat, start with 1 to 2 teaspoons, and introduce allergens early. Breast milk or formula remains the main nutrition source through 12 months.