Guide
Starting solids: first foods, made simple
Last updated: July 2026
Starting solids is a big, joyful, slightly messy milestone. It does not need to be complicated or expensive. Here is the plain version, with foods you can actually find locally.
When to start
Most babies are ready around six months, while still having breast milk or formula. Look for readiness: sitting with support, steady head control, and real interest in your food. Milk stays the main source of nutrition for a while yet, solids are for learning and adding to it.
Good first foods
Start simple and single. Soft, mashed, or finger-sized pieces work well. Local options are perfect: mashed ripe banana, pawpaw, avocado, soft-cooked sweet potato, yam, or plantain, mashed beans, well-cooked ogi or pap, soft rice, and mashed vegetables. Offer water in a cup with meals.
What to avoid
- Added salt and sugar
- Honey before one year
- Whole nuts, hard chunks, and other choking hazards
- Unpasteurised milk or cheese
Introduce common allergy foods one at a time, a few days apart, and watch for any reaction.
When to see a doctor
Seek care for signs of an allergic reaction (swelling, a rash, trouble breathing), choking, or if your baby refuses all food and is losing weight. Trust your instinct and ask early.
Common questions
When can a baby start solid food?
What foods should babies avoid?
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