Starting Solids with Confidence
Introducing solid foods is a big milestone for both you and your baby. Many parents search for answers like when to start solids, what foods to offer first, and how to make sure their baby is getting enough nutrients.
Starting solids does not need to be complicated. The goal is to help your baby learn how to eat, explore new textures, and eventually join family meals.
This guide shares a few key tips to help you begin. If you want a full step by step approach, my Nu Bubba Starting Solids Guide walks you through the entire journey.
When Should Babies Start Solids?
One of the most common questions parents ask is when to start solids.
Most babies are ready around six months. However readiness is more important than age. Look for signs that your baby has the strength, coordination and interest required to start eating.
Signs your baby may be ready include:
• Sitting upright with support
• Good head and neck control
• Reaching for food
• Bringing objects to their mouth
• Showing interest in what you are eating
Waiting for these developmental signs improves the chances of success and makes the process easier for both parent and baby.
What are the Best First Foods for Babies?
There is no single perfect first food.
The focus should be on variety, texture and nutrient rich options. From around six months a baby’s iron stores begin to decline, so including iron rich foods regularly becomes important.
Examples of good first foods include:
• soft cooked vegetables
• eggs*
• lentils and beans
• slow cooked meats
• avocado
• full fat yoghurt*
These foods provide important nutrients including iron, protein, fats and carbohydrates that support growth and development.
*allergen food
Purees or Baby Led Weaning?
Purees or baby led weaning?
Parents often feel they must choose one method. In reality both approaches can work.
Spoon feeding introduces flavours gradually and allows parents to monitor intake more easily. Baby led weaning encourages self feeding and helps babies develop chewing skills early.
Many families use a combination of both.
For example:
• spoon fed purees alongside soft finger foods
• family foods served in safe shapes and textures
• gradual progression toward self feeding
The most important factor is that food is prepared safely and babies are given time to explore.
Why Iron Matters when Starting Solids
Iron is one nutrient that needs extra attention in the first year.
During pregnancy babies store iron in their liver. These stores begin to decrease around six months, and breast milk alone cannot meet their needs.
Regular iron rich foods help support:
• brain development
• immune function
• growth
Examples of iron rich foods include:
• red meat
• chicken
• sardines
• egg yolk
• legumes
• tofu
Serving these foods regularly between six and twelve months helps support healthy development.
A Few Practical Starting Solids Tips
Parents often worry about doing everything perfectly. In reality babies learn through practice.
A few simple strategies can make the process easier.
• eat together as a family so your baby can watch you eat
• offer small portions and let your baby explore
• allow mess and experimentation
• offer a variety of colours and textures
• focus on repeated exposure rather than quantity
Babies are good at regulating their appetite. Some meals they may eat more, other days less. This is normal during the learning phase.
Want a Step-by-Step Starting Solids Plan?
If you are feeling unsure where to start, having a clear roadmap can make the process much easier.
The Nu Bubba Starting Solids Confidently Guide includes:
• developmental readiness signs
• equipment and highchair setup
• essential nutrients for babies
• feeding methods and meal progression
• allergen introduction
• choking and gagging guidance
• balanced meal ideas and snack inspiration
It is designed to simplify the information so parents can feel confident feeding their baby.
