When to start your baby on solids

Introducing solids to your baby is an exciting milestone, but knowing the right time to start can be overwhelming. With so much information available, parents often search for guidance on the best age to introduce solids, first baby foods, and how to start weaning. Here’s everything you need to know about when and how to begin your baby’s solids journey.

Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solids

According to Australian health guidelines, babies are usually ready for starting solid foods around six months of age, but every baby is different. Look for these key signs that indicate your little one may be ready:

Good head and neck control – Your baby should be able to sit upright with minimal support.
Interest in food – If your baby watches you eat, reaches for food, or opens their mouth when offered a spoon, they may be ready.
Loss of tongue-thrust reflex – Babies naturally push food out of their mouths in the early months, but once this reflex fades, they can start learning to swallow solids.
Increased appetite – If your baby still seems hungry after breastfeeds or formula, they may be ready for additional nourishment.

Best First Foods for Babies

When introducing solids for the first time, focus on iron-rich baby foods to support your baby’s growth and development. These include:

Soft cooked vegetables like pumpkin, sweet potato, and carrots.
Iron-fortified baby cereals.
Soft proteins like well-cooked meat, lentils and beans.

At JUCA, we believe in giving babies the best possible start with delicious, nutrient-rich baby food pouches designed to inspire a love for healthy baby food from the very first bite. Our meals have been carefully crafted to encompass a range of nutrient-dense superfoods:

Each meal is thoughtfully prepared to introduce your baby to a variety of savoury first foods, rich in essential nutrients to support their development.

How to Start Baby on Solids

Starting solids is a learning experience for your baby, so be patient and embrace the mess! Here are some baby weaning tips to help:

Start slow – Offer small amounts once a day and gradually increase as your baby becomes more comfortable.
Try different textures – Begin with smooth purees before moving on to mashed and soft finger foods.
Follow your baby’s cues – Let your little one guide the pace. If they turn away or refuse food, try again later.
Make mealtime enjoyable – Sit together as a family to create a positive eating environment.

Ready to Get Started?

JUCA’s nutrient-rich baby food pouches are the perfect way to introduce your baby to healthy first foods with no added sugar. Browse our range today and take the guesswork out of starting solids for babies.

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