Starting solids: a practical first-week checklist

Look for readiness, not just a date

Most babies begin solid foods at about six months. Readiness signs include holding their head up, sitting and leaning forward with support, showing when they are full, and bringing food toward their mouth.

Every child develops differently. If your baby was born prematurely or has feeding, growth, or developmental concerns, ask their health care provider for individual guidance.

Start with iron-rich foods

Breast milk or infant formula remains an important source of nutrition while solids are introduced. Health Canada recommends beginning with iron-rich foods and offering them a few times each day.

• Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, beans, or lentils prepared in an age-appropriate texture
• Iron-fortified infant cereal
• Soft family foods that are low in added salt and prepared to reduce choking risk

Let texture progress with your baby

Offer soft textures your baby can manage, including mashed, lumpy, finely minced, or tender finger foods as their skills develop. Variety helps babies practise chewing, grasping, and feeding themselves.

A simple first-week rhythm

• Choose a calm time when your baby is awake and not overly hungry or tired.
• Offer a small amount and let your baby decide how much to eat.
• Record the food, texture, amount served, amount eaten, and any reaction you noticed.
• Repeat familiar foods while gradually adding variety.
• Keep meals supervised and use safe seating and age-appropriate food preparation.

Use the log as a memory, not a scorecard

Some meals will be a taste, a touch, or no interest at all. Recording what happened can help caregivers stay consistent and can give your health care provider clearer context when you have a question.