When to introduce solids to a baby

Current consensus from the major paediatric bodies: AAP, WHO, and ESPGHAN agree that solids are introduced around six months, not earlier than four. "Solids" here means purées (soft mash-like food) and soft pieces — not adult food.

Four signs of readiness (all need to be present)

1. Baby sits up independently with minimal support. Head does not fall forward.
2. Tongue-thrust reflex has faded. If the tongue pushes food out of the mouth, it's not time yet.
3. Shows interest in food. Follows utensils with their eyes, opens mouth at the sight of a spoon.
4. Can move food from front to back of the tongue and swallow. A developmental marker that appears around five to six months.

If any of these four are missing, wait two weeks and reassess.

First meals: texture and quantity

First week or two: 1-2 teaspoons of smooth purée once a day. Common first choices: avocado, banana, sweet potato, carrot, apple — cooked and puréed.

Weeks 3-4: 2-3 tablespoons, 1-2 meals. Gradually combine flavours (sweet potato + zucchini, apple + banana).

After 7-8 months: soft texture with small pieces (BLW-style if practised), 2-3 meals.

BLW (Baby-Led Weaning) or spoon

Both approaches have paediatric support if readiness signs are present. BLW (self-feeding with grippable pieces) develops motor skills earlier; classic spoon feeding gives clearer insight into quantity. A combination is most common: some meals from a spoon, others as finger food (avocado, banana, soft carrot).

In both approaches, having a dedicated set from the start makes sense — the baby builds rituals, the parent has clearer hygiene boundaries. Our stainless steel cutlery for babies has rounded edges suited to gums and a light spoon that doesn't break on impact. For first meals, the most practical option is a starter set: small bowl + small cutlery.

What NEVER to give in the first 12 months

• Honey (botulism risk).
• Cow's milk as a main drink (up to 12 months only breastmilk or formula; yogurt and cheese in small quantities after 8 months is fine).
• Salt and sugar. Baby's kidneys are not developed for salt; sugar forms an early habit.
• Choking foods: whole nuts, whole grapes, hard vegetable cubes, sausage rounds. Everything must be soft or sliced lengthwise.

Tableware material

In the first 12 months, the material that touches food matters because the baby's detoxification systems are still developing. Purées are often warmed and stay in contact with the spoon longer than adult meals. Stainless steel 304 / 316 is chemically inert and releases nothing into food, which is why the FDA recognises it as GRAS for food contact. We wrote about this in detail in the materials guide.

More

• Inox baby feeding set
• Inox cutlery for babies
• Frequently asked questions