When to start
Which foods and how much?
Guide to feeding solids
Foods to avoid
Other fluids
Gagging or choking?
Food reactions
In years gone by, many parents and health professionals recommended introducing solids to young babies as early as 3 to 4 months of age. However, it is now recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian Dietary Guidelines released by The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), that solids should only be introduced from 6 months of age. If possible, babies should only have
breast milk until 6 months. If this is not the case, then a combination of breast milk and
infant formula (or formula alone) is all that is required for proper growth and development in the first 6 months.
NOTE: Introducing solids does NOT help your baby sleep through the night, although this is a common myth.
When first introducing solids, be aware that breast milk and/or formula remain the most important part of your baby's diet, especially in the early weeks. Solid foods are initially just an 'extra' for your baby, not their main source of food just yet. If your baby doesn't show much interest at first, wait a week or so before offering solid foods again or try an alternative food if they don't seem to like the one you first offered. If you plan to
wean your baby from the breast before 12 months of age, you will need to substitute formula milk until their first birthday. This is explained further in the section on
cows milk.
When to start
Premature babies
Preparations
There are many developmental reasons why giving young babies solid foods should be delayed until 6 months, along with the benefit of helping to reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions, especially in families with a history of allergies or food intolerance.
Babies under 6 months have: