Introducing solid foods Follow-Up Guide: What Parents Need t

Understanding the Introduction of Solid food

What is it? Starting solids means introducing food alongside breastmilk/formula, usually around 6 months, when your baby shows signs of readiness. Nutrition still comes mostly from milk in the first year.

👶 Signs Your Baby May Be Ready

Purees:

  • Sits with support
  • Opens mouth for food
  • Good head/neck control
  • Less tongue-thrust

Baby-Led Weaning (BLW):

  • Sits upright with little support
  • Grasps and mouths objects
  • Strong head/neck control

đźš« Not ready if: Poor head control, persistent tongue-thrust, unable to sit.

How to feed at Home

Start with:

  • 1 meal/day (after milk feed)
  • Soft, mashable foods or thin purees
  • Advance texture slowly (puree ➡️ mashed ➡️ chopped)
  • Offer a variety of foods by 9 months
  • Feed upright and seated

🍽 What to Feed:

  • Iron-rich: lentils, egg yolk, meats, fortified cereal
  • Healthy fats: avocado, nut butters (thinned)
  • Veggies/Fruits: steamed, mashed or sliced
  • Grains/Dairy: oatmeal, yogurt, cheese

⚠️ Avoid: Honey <12 mo, cow's milk as drink <1 yr, choking hazards (whole grapes, hot dogs, raw carrots).

đź›  Home Tips

  • Eat together—model mealtime
  • Let baby touch, smell, explore food
  • Use preloaded spoons or soft finger foods
  • Repeat exposures (10–15x is normal!)
  • Expect mess and gagging—it’s part of learning

🥜 Allergen Safety

  • Start early (6 mo) with peanut, egg, dairy, etc.
  • Mix into foods and offer weekly
  • Watch for: hives, vomiting, wheezing
  • High-risk? Check with your provider first

When to Contact Poppins 

📱 Contact us again when:

  • Not tolerating meals (vomiting, constipation)
  • Persistent feeding refusal
  • New skin rash or swelling after meals
  • Gagging at every meal or avoiding textures

đź“ŤFollow up with us 24 hrs after starting solids for questions or support.

When to Visit Your Pediatrician 

đź©ş Go to an in-person appointment when:

  • Baby isn’t gaining weight
  • You suspect a food allergy or have a family history

When to Go to the ER

🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is: 

  • Choking – unable to breathe or cough
  • Severe allergic reaction: swelling, trouble breathing, vomiting

If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.

Need more support? Help is just a text message away.