First foods at 6 months — where to start
A calm, practical guide to starting solids at around 6 months — readiness signs, good first foods, portion sizes, and what to skip for now.
Starting solids without the panic
Around 6 months, most babies are ready to begin solids alongside breast milk or formula, which stays the main source of nutrition for the first year. You do not need special equipment or a rigid plan — you need a few safe first foods and a sense of what to skip for now.
Readiness signs
Look for three things together, usually around 6 months: sitting up with steady head control, no longer automatically pushing food back out with the tongue, and genuine interest in what you are eating.
Good first foods
- Soft, unsalted whole foods: avocado, banana, well-cooked vegetables.
- Iron-rich foods: well-cooked egg, soft meat, or iron-fortified cereal.
- Common allergens, introduced early and one at a time (egg, peanut, and so on).
What to skip for now
- Honey, until 12 months.
- Added salt and sugar.
- Whole cow’s milk as a main drink, until 12 months.
- Hard, round or bite-sized shapes — cut round foods lengthwise.
Nibbino gives you a verdict, the reason, and how to serve any specific food in a couple of seconds — useful for the moment you are standing at the counter wondering about one item.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best first foods for a baby?
Soft, unsalted, unsweetened whole foods work well — mashed or soft-finger avocado, banana, well-cooked vegetables, and iron-rich foods like well-cooked egg or meat. Introduce common allergens early, one at a time.
How do I know my baby is ready for solids?
The usual signs, around 6 months, are sitting up with good head control, losing the reflex that pushes food out, and showing interest in food. Talk to your pediatrician if you are unsure.
What foods should babies avoid at 6 months?
Skip honey (before 12 months), added salt and sugar, whole cow's milk as a main drink (before 12 months), and any hard, round or bite-sized shapes that are choking hazards.
Guidance, not medical advice — always supervise feeding and consult your pediatrician.