Introducing solids is an exciting milestone for your baby, but it comes with plenty of questions. From when to start to what foods are best, here’s everything you need to know to make this transition smooth and fun.

There are a few things new parents all seem to look forward to in the first year with a new baby: first smile, first giggle, first family outing, first steps (though those usually come right around the one-year mark), and, of course, first solid foods. Introducing your little one to solids can be such a fun experience, watching their little face scrunch up with new textures and flavours. But there are some ground rules for what to try and when, so it’s important to do your research before perfecting your airplane spoon game.

The good news is, we’ve done the legwork for you. Keep reading for an overview of important information to know before your baby takes their first bite.

When to Start Solids, According to the Experts

Health Canada recommends introducing solid foods at around six months of age (though some family doctors will give the go-ahead a little earlier, based on individual children). At this stage, however, an infant’s diet should still consist mainly of breast milk or formula, with solids as supplementation, to ensure they are getting all of the nutrients they need for growth and development.

How to Know Your Baby is Ready to Start Solids

Before you make the leap to introduce solid foods, you should pay attention for signs of readiness. Here are some of the things to look out for:

• Physical control: Your little one should have pretty decent head and neck control before you attempt to introduce solids. They should also be able to sit with minimal support (you don’t want them listing to the side in their highchair when you’re introducing new foods).
• Interest in food: If you notice your child studying you while you eat, or even reaching for what you’re eating, that curiosity is a positive sign.
• Swallow reflex: You know your baby can swallow if they take a bottle, but look for the more advanced swallow reflex where your baby is able to move food from the front of their mouth to the back, rather than pushing it out with their tongue. (You won’t know this until you try, but it will be pretty obvious.)
• Hand-eye coordination: If you’re going to attempt baby-led weaning (allowing babies to feed themselves tiny pieces of food), they should be able to easily pick up objects and bring them to their mouths.

It’s important to note that these milestones are all pretty commonly reached around six months, so readiness is likely to be relatively apparent. If your child seems ready sooner, speak to their doctor before starting solids. If they aren’t quite there, don’t panic—give it a few more weeks and you’ll likely see the signs start to show up.

What Foods to Start With

As your baby’s iron stores naturally start to deplete around six months, your child’s first foods should be iron-rich. There is no shortage of options in this category.

There are two types of iron—heme and non-heme. Heme iron is found in animal food sources like meat, fish or eggs. Non-heme iron is found in foods like iron-fortified cereal, tofu, lentils and beans. Many experts recommend pairing iron-rich foods with foods that are rich in vitamin C (sweet potatoes, broccoli, citrus fruits, etc.) for better absorption.

It used to be recommended that parents wait until a year to introduce common allergens, like eggs, milk, peanuts and other tree nuts, shellfish, etc. but these days, experts say it’s better to introduce them early—even in high-risk infants. That said, research shows these foods should not be introduced before four months of age, even if you’re given the go-ahead to start solids early.

Purees Versus Baby-Led Weaning

Chances are, you were fed purees first as a child, so this might seem like the natural way to start. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Purees are easy to prepare, and you can control how much a child eats, as well as gradually introduce texture. Most parents start with smooth purees and increase chunkiness as babies get more comfortable.

Some parents would rather go right to little ones feeding themselves, or baby-led weaning, which is also a valid option. This encouragement to self-feeding involves cooking and prepping soft finger foods that babies can easily hold and chew. There is autonomy in this method, but babies must still be closely supervised while eating.

Of course, some families choose to use both methods in tandem, which offers the best of both worlds. It really comes down to what is the best fit for your family.

Regardless of what method you choose, it is important to offer one food at a time to see how your baby reacts. If they are fine with the item after a few days, it’s okay to introduce something new. Keep a journal so you’re able to pinpoint any issues that may arise.

When to Speak to Your Doctor

Remember, all babies grow and progress at their own pace. But if you’re experiencing any of the following challenges, it’s worth having a conversation with your child’s doctor:

• Delayed interest in solids—your child shows no interest in food by around eight months
• Trouble swallowing—your child gags or chokes regularly during meals
• Allergic reactions—your child develops hives or swelling after trying new foods
• Growth concerns—your child seems to fall off of their growth curve once they start solids

Introducing solids is a fun milestone for parents and babies, and is often the first step toward a lifelong love of food—especially in families where food is an important part of their family identity. Follow your little one’s lead and they’ll be a willing and important participant at the dinner table in no time.