Starting solids at six months: what I tell every mother

Somewhere around five months, the questions start. "Should I give a little dal water?" "My mother-in-law says he's ready for rice." Here's the plan I share with most families. It's simple, and it works.

When to start

Around six months is the right time for most babies. Until then, breastmilk gives your baby everything they need. Look for these signs that your baby is ready:

• Sits up with a little support and holds their head steady
• Shows interest in your food and opens their mouth when food comes near
• Moves food to the back of the mouth instead of pushing it straight out

If your baby was premature or has a medical condition, check the timing with your paediatrician.

Good first foods

Start with one new food at a time, and wait two or three days before adding the next. That way, if something doesn't agree with your baby, you'll know what it was.

• Iron-rich foods early: well-cooked mashed dal, ragi porridge, mashed egg yolk if your family eats eggs
• Vegetables: pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato, lauki, steamed and mashed
• Fruits: mashed banana, stewed apple, ripe papaya, chikoo
• Grains: soft khichdi, suji or rice porridge

A small spoon of ghee in your baby's food is fine and adds good energy.

How much?

Less than you'd think. Start with two or three teaspoons once a day, and let your baby lead. By eight or nine months, most babies are having three small meals. Watch your baby, not the bowl. Turning away and closing the mouth means "I'm done".

Texture matters

Begin smooth, then make it lumpier over the following weeks. By about eight months, soft mashed food with small lumps. By a year, most babies can manage soft pieces of family food. Babies kept on runny purées for too long often become fussier eaters later.

Solids are an addition, not a replacement. Keep breastfeeding as often as your baby wants. Breastmilk stays important well into the second year.

What to avoid before one year

• Honey in any form, including ghutti. It can cause infant botulism.
• Added salt and sugar. Cook your baby's portion before you season the family's.
• Fruit juices, especially pear juice. Whole mashed fruit is far better.
• Whole nuts and hard pieces that could cause choking. Powdered nuts are fine.
• Tea, biscuits and packaged "baby" snacks. Home-cooked food is best.

Need a plan for your baby?

If your baby isn't gaining well, refuses solids, or you're just not sure where to start, I'm happy to help. As a nutritionist, this is one of my favourite things to work on. Book a consultation, online or in person.

General information for healthy babies. For allergies, medical conditions or premature babies, follow your paediatrician's advice.