When to start solids
The age at which you begin offering foods other than milk. Official bodies give slightly different windows, centered on about six months.
When should our baby start solid food?
In short: Parents choose between 3 main approaches: 4-6 months on readiness (the European window); Around 6 months (AAP, Canada, NHS); Strictly 6 months (WHO). Evidence: well established. Guidance and evidence agree. The real question is whether you'll follow it. Best settled: 0–6 months.
- Evidence
- Well established
- Best settled
- 0–6 months
- Part of
- Pregnancy to first birthday
When to start solids: what are the options?
Parents usually land on one of these 3 approaches.
1. 4-6 months on readiness (the European window)
You start between four and six months if the baby seems ready.
2. Around 6 months (AAP, Canada, NHS)
You start at about six months, when the baby shows signs of readiness.
3. Strictly 6 months (WHO)
You wait until the baby is a full six months old.
When to start solids: what does the evidence say?
Well established. Guidance and evidence agree. The real question is whether you'll follow it. (Settled in north america)
All agree never before 4 months; Europe says between 17 and 26 weeks
Sources
What else is worth knowing?
Solid food is introduced alongside milk, not instead of it. Readiness signs include sitting with support and showing interest in food. Official bodies agree on about six months and differ slightly on whether a little earlier is acceptable.
Questions to ask each other
- Which guidance will we follow on timing, and who will check the baby is ready?
- What signs of readiness will we watch for?
- Would we start earlier if the baby seems hungry, and who would we ask?
More in Feeding the baby
First published 2026-10-03. Last updated 2026-10-05. General information, not medical advice.