6–12 months

6–12 months · Starting solids

Complementary Food 6–12 Months: A Practical Feeding Guide

A step-by-step roadmap for starting solids: readiness signs, the best first foods (with an iron-first approach), textures made simple, a practical BLW + spoon-feeding hybrid, a 7-day starter menu, and safety basics.

  • Iron-first approach
  • Allergens made simple
  • Textures & progression
  • Safety basics
Next: 12–24 months guide → Browse related articles →
Parent feeding a baby during complementary feeding, with soft textures and balanced foods
Real-life complementary feeding: focus on iron, safe textures, and simple routines.

Feeding roadmap (6–12 months)

Complementary feeding evolves quickly. Your baby learns to accept new flavors, build chewing skills, and gradually handle more textures.

  • 6–7 months: smooth textures + iron-rich foods
  • 8–9 months: mashed textures + soft finger foods
  • 10–12 months: family foods adapted (soft texture, low salt)
Practical rule: If you are unsure what to serve, pick one iron-rich food and add a soft fruit/vegetable. Keep portions small and repeat often.

Signs baby is ready for solids

Age alone is not enough. Look for these readiness cues:

  • Sits with minimal support
  • Good head and neck control
  • Shows interest in food
  • Reduced tongue-thrust reflex

First foods (what matters most)

Prioritize nutrition over sweetness. From 6 months, iron becomes a key nutrient. Introduce allergens safely and keep textures age-appropriate.

Iron-rich foods

  • Meat and poultry (puréed or finely shredded)
  • Fish
  • Lentils and beans
  • Iron-fortified baby cereals

Allergen foods

  • Egg
  • Peanut (powder or smooth butter thinned)
  • Dairy (yogurt, cheese)
  • Wheat

Fruits and vegetables

Offer variety. Avoid added salt and sugar.

Proteins

Protein supports growth and helps keep meals balanced.

Textures and progression

Purées

Smooth textures work well at the beginning.

Mashed foods

Gradually increase texture to support chewing skills.

Soft finger foods

Soft sticks (well-cooked) support self-feeding and coordination.

BLW vs spoon-feeding (hybrid approach)

Pros and cons

Both methods can work when done safely.

A practical hybrid approach

A common approach: spoon-feeding for iron-rich purées plus soft finger foods for self-feeding practice.

Sample plates (visual)

Add 2–3 simple plate examples here (images). Keep them consistent in size and style.

Image tip: Use 1200×800 images, centered, with descriptive alt text.

Safety and choking prevention

  • Always supervise meals
  • Offer soft textures first
  • Cut foods into safe shapes
  • Avoid hard round foods (whole nuts, grapes, raw carrots)

Recommended products for starting solids

Optional product links can save parents time and support your affiliate strategy.

Iron-fortified baby cereals

Useful for iron intake, especially early on.

View options
Feeding spoons

Soft silicone spoons help protect gums.

View options
Silicone bowls

Non-slip bowls make feeding easier and cleaner.

View options

FAQ

When should I start complementary foods?

Most babies start around 6 months when they show readiness signs. Milk remains essential during the first year.

What are the best first foods at 6 months?

Prioritize iron-rich foods, then fruits/vegetables, and introduce allergens safely in age-appropriate forms.

Is BLW better than spoon-feeding?

Both can work. Many families use a hybrid approach: purées plus soft finger foods.

How do I prevent choking?

Supervise meals, keep textures soft, cut foods safely, and avoid hard round foods.

Next steps

Continue your journey with the next stage or explore practical articles:

Go to 12–24 months → Picky eaters (2–8) → Browse the blog →