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What's the best way to start solids?

Last updated on April 1, 2026

According to data-backed guidelines, babies are generally ready for solid foods when they can hold their head up, sit with support, and move their hands toward their mouth, which is typically around four to six months. Early introduction of allergens, such as peanuts, eggs, dairy, and wheat, has been shown to lower the long-term risk of developing allergies. Early foods should have iron in them, and choking hazards, like hard candies and nuts, should be avoided. Beyond that, many common recommendations lack strong data support, including the idea that there’s a “best” first food, baby-led weaning versus purees, salt restrictions, and the “one food every three days” rule. In reality, the evidence supports a wide range of approaches to starting solids, which means there’s plenty of room to make choices based on what works for your family.

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