Is Your Baby Ready to Start Solids? Take this QUIZ to find out!

Introducing solids is an important milestone in your baby’s development. It marks the beginning of a gradual shift from a diet consisting exclusively of breast milk or formula to one that includes a variety of foods and textures. However, this transition should be approached with care and patience, guided by your baby’s individual developmental readiness rather than a specific age or schedule.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding until around 6 months of age. Before this time, your baby’s digestive system and immune responses are still developing, making early introduction of solid foods a potential risk. Introducing solids too soon can increase the likelihood of allergies, gastrointestinal issues, and even choking, especially if your baby has not shown signs of readiness.

So how can you tell if your baby is ready to start solids?

Is Your Baby Ready To Start Solids?

This quiz is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified pediatrician.

1 / 5

Is your baby 6 months or older?
If they are premature, the corrected age must be considered.

 

Yes!

Not yet

2 / 5

Does your baby sit upright without falling over?

Not yet

Yes!

3 / 5

Does your baby pick up toys or objects and bring them to their mouth?

Yes!

Not yet

4 / 5

Do they look curious or try to pick up what you are eating?

Not really

All the time

5 / 5

Do they still have a strong tongue thrust reflex?

To test this out, offer your baby a spoon.  

– If your baby’s tongue thrusts forward and rejects the spoon, the reflex is still present

– If your baby’s mouth opens and accepts the spoon, the reflex may be fading or is already gone

 

My baby opens their mouth and accepts the spoon

My baby pushes the spoon out with their tongue

Your score is

The average score is 53%

0%

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There are several developmental milestones to look for as your baby grows to know if they are ready to start solids.

One of the first signs is head and neck control. Your baby should be able to sit upright with minimal support and hold their head steady. This control is essential for safe swallowing and reducing the risk of choking.

Next, observe your baby’s interest in food. Are they watching you eat with curiosity? Do they try to grab your food or mimic chewing motions? While interest alone doesn’t mean readiness, it’s an encouraging sign that your baby is becoming more aware of the role food plays.

Another key factor is the disappearance of the tongue-thrust reflex. Young babies instinctively push anything placed in their mouth back out with their tongue. This reflex helps protect them from choking in the early months but usually fades around the 4- to 6-month mark. Once it subsides, your baby may be able to move food to the back of the mouth and swallow more effectively.

It’s important to avoid using arbitrary cues such as teething, large size for age, or returning to work as justification for starting solids. Babies teeth at various times, and weight alone does not indicate digestive maturity. Additionally, offering solids in an attempt to replace missed breast or bottle feeds due to scheduling constraints can interfere with your baby’s nutritional needs and lead to frustration.

In our app, you’ll find a complete guide to help you learn about baby led weaning with a full meal plan to take the stress out of offering foods to your baby. Download it for free and learn more!

Do you have any questions about how to introduce solids successfully? Leave a comment below!