When and how to start solids

Most babies are ready around 6 months. Look for a cluster of signs: holding the head steady, sitting with minimal support, tracking food with their eyes, opening the mouth for a spoon, and no longer thrusting the tongue when food is offered. All four should align — not just one. Start with iron-rich foods, not fruits or rice cereal. Fortified infant cereal, pureed or minced meat, well-cooked lentils, tofu, and mashed egg yolk deliver the iron babies need as fetal stores run out around 6 months. Offer solids once a day at first, then work up to 2–3 meals over a few weeks. Milk (breast or formula) remains the primary nutrition source through 12 months. Solids at this age are for skill-building, not calories.