Updated
When can my baby start solid foods?
Most official bodies say start solids at about 6 months, when your baby shows readiness signs.
Your child is not the general case. Ask about yours →
What the guidelines say
| Organisation | What it says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NHS | Start solid foods at around 6 months, alongside breast milk or first infant formula. Three signs together show readiness: sitting with head steady, coordinating eyes/hands/mouth to pick up food, and swallowing rather than spitting out. Chewing fists, waking at night, or wanting extra milk are not signs of readiness. | [1][2] |
| CDC | The source lists topics about introducing solids but does not give specific guidance on when to start or readiness signs. | [3] |
| WHO | Introduce complementary foods at 6 months (180 days) while continuing breastfeeding. Start with small amounts and increase gradually. Feed 2–3 meals per day at 6–8 months, and 3–4 meals per day at 9–23 months, plus snacks as needed. | [4][6] |
| MedlinePlus | Babies are usually ready for solid foods at about 6 months. Check with your health care provider for the best time. Introduce one new food at a time to identify allergies. | [5] |
Where they agree
The NHS, WHO, and MedlinePlus all agree that around 6 months is the right age to start solid foods. The WHO states this as a firm recommendation at 6 months (180 days). The NHS adds that three specific readiness signs should appear together. MedlinePlus also says about 6 months and advises checking with a provider. All three organisations agree that breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition at the start. The WHO and NHS both emphasise continuing milk feeds alongside solids. The WHO and MedlinePlus both mention introducing foods gradually.
Where they differ (and why it may not matter)
The main difference is in detail. The NHS gives specific readiness signs for parents to look for. The WHO focuses on age alone and does not describe readiness signs. MedlinePlus says to check with a health care provider rather than listing signs. The CDC source does not address the question directly.
This difference may not matter much in practice. The NHS signs — sitting with head steady, hand-to-mouth coordination, and swallowing — typically appear at around 6 months anyway. So the age-based advice and the readiness-based advice usually point to the same time. The WHO also notes that some infants may benefit from earlier introduction, which leaves room for individual advice from a health professional.
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
The sources do not give specific guidance on when to see a doctor about starting solids. However, MedlinePlus advises checking with your health care provider if your baby has severe eczema or egg allergies, as these may affect when to introduce peanut products. The NHS advises asking your health visitor or GP for advice if your baby was born prematurely. If your baby shows signs of an allergic reaction — such as a rash, diarrhoea, or vomiting — after trying a new food, contact your health care provider. Seek emergency care if your baby has difficulty breathing or shows signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Sources
[1] NHS — “Your baby’s first solid foods” (2026), section “Signs your baby is ready for solid foods”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/babys-first-solid-foods/ [2] NHS — “Your baby’s first solid foods” (2026), section “Your baby’s first solid foods When to start introducing solid foods”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/babys-first-solid-foods/ [3] CDC — “Infant and Toddler Nutrition”, section “Infant and Toddler Nutrition Featured”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/index.html [4] WHO — “Infant and young child feeding”, section “Complementary feeding”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding [5] MedlinePlus — “Infant and Newborn Nutrition” (2023), section “Introducción”, p. 1 — https://medlineplus.gov/infantandnewbornnutrition.html [6] WHO — “WHO guideline for complementary feeding of infants and young children 6–23 months of age” (2023), section “3.3 Age of introduction of complementary foods”, p. 36, 37, 38, 39, 40
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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