The first week of solids

3 min read

The first bites are about exploring, not eating. A few mouthfuls, or nothing at all, is normal at the start. Breast milk or formula stays your baby’s main food until about 12 months.

Pick a calm time of day, when your baby is awake, alert and not overtired. Not right after waking hungry, and not when very full. Offer a little milk first if your baby is very hungry, then the food.

Start with one meal a day and one or two foods, and include an iron-rich food early: soft cooked meat, egg, lentils, or iron-fortified cereal. Offer the food in a shape your baby can hold, or on a preloaded spoon. Let your baby touch, squash and taste.

Stay close and keep your baby upright. Copy your baby: if they turn away or close their mouth, they are done. Try again tomorrow. Around day 3 to 5 add a second meal, and add a new food every few days.