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Is Your Little One Ready for Solids?

  • May 8
  • 3 min read

Updated: 18 hours ago

Signs to Look For and Why Supported Sitting Matters


Hello parents! As your precious baby grows, their curiosity extends to the exciting world of food. But how do you know when it's time to move from milk or formula to solid foods? In this post, we're going to dive into the signs of feeding readiness—those special cues that tell you your baby is ready to start their culinary adventure. We’ll also explore why supported sitting during mealtimes is a key factor in a safe and successful transition to solids.


An Interest in Your Plate

Watch out for those adorable moments when your little one starts showing a keen interest in your meals. They might reach out for your plate, lean forward to get a closer look, or make excited sounds when they see you eating. This kind of curiosity is one of the earliest signs of feeding readiness and reflects a desire to be part of the family mealtime experience (Carruth & Skinner, 2002).


They're Hungry, More Often

Have you noticed that your baby seems hungrier than usual, even with their regular milk or formula feeds? This can be a sign that their nutritional needs are increasing. Around six months of age, many babies require more energy and nutrients than milk alone can provide (Dewey, 2001). This growing appetite can be a cue that they’re ready to explore soft solids and purees.


Eager to Chew

Babies are amazing imitators. Around the six-month mark, you might catch your baby mimicking chewing motions—even when there’s nothing in their mouth. This "practice chewing" helps build the oral-motor skills they’ll need for handling new textures and safely swallowing foods (Arvedson & Brodsky, 2002).


Sitting Up Strong

One of the most important signs that your baby is ready for solids is their ability to sit up with minimal support. Around six months, many babies can sit with assistance and hold their head steady (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024). This stability is essential—not just for comfort at the table but also for safety while eating.


Why Supported Sitting Is Important

Supported sitting isn’t just a milestone—it’s a foundation for safe feeding. When a baby can sit upright:

  • Safety is improved: Better head and trunk control means they’re less likely to choke (Arvedson & Brodsky, 2002).

  • Swallowing is easier: Upright positioning helps babies coordinate the movements needed to chew and swallow efficiently (Morris & Klein, 2000).

  • Learning is encouraged: Sitting at eye level with family allows babies to watch and mimic mealtime behaviors (Carruth & Skinner, 2002).

  • Digestion benefits: An upright position supports smoother digestion (Dewey, 2001).

It’s important not to rush this milestone. Waiting until your baby can sit up with support ensures that they are developmentally ready to safely explore solid foods (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], 2024).


Every baby develops at their own pace. Watching for signs like sitting up with support, increased curiosity about food, chewing motions, and more frequent hunger can help you know when your baby is ready. Once those signs are present, it's time to enjoy the fun (and sometimes messy!) world of solids. Happy feeding, super-parents!





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