Starting solids checklist

Is your baby ready for solids?

Around six months, readiness is about skills — not just a birthday. Tick what you are seeing. If you are unsure, your child and family health nurse is the right person to ask.

Editorial illustration of a bowl of food with broccoli, avocado and a spoon

0 of 6 signs

Good head and neck controlThey can hold their head steady and sit upright with support. Curious about foodThey watch you eat, reach for food or open their mouth for a spoon. Can move food to the back of the mouthThey swallow rather than push food straight back out with their tongue. Sitting upright with supportNot slumped or floppy when supported in a high chair. Around six months oldNot before four months. Some babies are ready a little later. Lost the tongue-thrust reflexThey no longer automatically push everything out of their mouth.

Tick the signs you are seeing. Readiness is a combination of skills and age — not a race.

What if only some boxes are ticked?

That is common. Skills arrive at different times, and a baby who is not quite ready today may be ready in a week or two. The key safety signs are head control and supported sitting. If your baby is approaching seven months and is not showing interest or is not managing textures, talk to your child and family health nurse or GP.

What if my baby was premature?

Use your baby’s corrected age for developmental decisions, and ask your care team for individual advice. Premature babies may be ready later than the calendar suggests.

What about baby-led weaning?

Baby-led weaning can be a safe approach when your baby is developmentally ready, sits upright and is never left alone with food. Many families use a mix of spoon-feeding and finger foods. The important things are iron-rich food, appropriate textures, allergen introduction and close supervision — not the method on Instagram.

This checklist is general information, not medical advice. If your baby has a feeding difficulty, a growth concern, or a history of severe allergy or eczema, speak to your GP or paediatrician before starting solids.