All Months
InfantMonth 6

Month 6: Starting Solids!

6 months: An exciting new phase

🌱Solid foods and independent sitting
3 min read

Starting Solids!

The big milestone — your baby is ready for their first taste of food! At the same time they are sitting steadily on their own, and stranger anxiety may begin to appear.

Development

  • Sits without support — an important motor milestone
  • Stranger anxiety: Clearly distinguishes familiar from unfamiliar faces, may become anxious
  • Grasps with the whole hand and explores everything with their mouth. A more refined grip comes later
  • Understands frequently used words — "no," "mama," "dada"
  • Mental leap (week 26): Understands relationships between things

Growth

  • Boys: Average 17.4 lbs / 26.8 in (7.9 kg / 68 cm)
  • Girls: Average 16.1 lbs / 26.0 in (7.3 kg / 66 cm)

Sleep

  • 11–14 hours per day (nighttime sleep 10–11 hours + 2 naps)
  • Stranger anxiety can disrupt sleep — your baby wants you nearby
  • A consistent bedtime routine is worth its weight in gold now

Feeding

  • Time to start solids! The WHO, AAP, and NHS all recommend starting solid foods around 6 months of age
  • Vegetables and fruit are great to begin with: carrot, sweet potato, broccoli, banana, avocado
  • Both purée and finger foods work — choose what suits you. Baby-led weaning (BLW) is just as good as purée
  • Allergen introduction: Introduce egg, fish, gluten, and nut butters early (from 6 months). Early introduction may help prevent allergies — check current AAP or NHS guidance for your region
  • Iron-rich foods are important: Your baby's iron stores from birth are running low. Meat, fish, legumes, and iron-fortified cereals are good sources
  • Breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition
  • Vitamin D: Continue with 400 IU (10 micrograms) daily

Good to Know

  • Well-baby visit: Your 6-month check-up typically includes a dietary conversation, developmental assessment, and next vaccinations
  • Don't stress about quantities. Food is play and exploration at this stage
  • Choking prevention: Learn the difference between gagging (normal) and choking. Never leave your baby alone with food

Activity Tips

Let your baby touch, squish, and taste the food themselves. It gets messy, but that's how they learn! Soft pieces like banana and avocado are perfect to start with.

Explore on Babysential

Tip: Breast milk or formula is still the main meal. Solid food is a bonus — for learning and tasting new flavors.

Month 5Month 7

Sources & Disclaimer: This content is based on guidelines from WHO, AAP, and NHS. Every baby develops at their own pace. Consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance.