Starting solids and family dinner
Updated October 2026 · 2 min read
Quick answer
Ask your pediatrician when to begin, offer soft safe textures, and let the baby share the family meal in a size they can manage.
Ask your pediatrician
They will tell you when your baby is ready and which foods to start with.
Texture and safety
Offer soft foods, cut to safe sizes. Avoid whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn and honey for young babies.
Allergens
Ask your pediatrician about when and how to introduce common allergens.
Share the meal
Unseasoned roasted vegetables, shredded meat and rice can go from the family pot to the baby's tray.
Expect mess
Mess means learning. Plan for it.
When should you start solids?
The American Academy of Pediatrics says most babies are ready around 6 months, when they can sit up with support, hold up their head and show interest in food. Always ask your own pediatrician, because every baby is different.
What are good first foods?
Soft, simple foods that match what the family eats. Iron-rich foods matter, such as meat, beans, lentils and iron-fortified cereal.
| Texture | Examples |
|---|---|
| Purees or very soft mash | Avocado, sweet potato, banana, lentils |
| Soft strips | Ripe pear, steamed carrot, soft omelet |
| Shredded foods | Slow-cooked chicken or beef |
| Soft finger foods | Toast strips, soft pasta, small pieces of tofu |
| Purees or very soft mash | Avocado, sweet potato, banana, lentils |
| Soft strips | Ripe pear, steamed carrot, soft omelet |
| Shredded foods | Slow-cooked chicken or beef |
| Soft finger foods | Toast strips, soft pasta, small pieces of tofu |
What should you avoid?
Honey before age one, because of a rare but serious illness called infant botulism. Whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn, hard raw vegetables and chunks of meat or cheese are choking hazards. Cow's milk as a main drink waits until after the first birthday, but small amounts in cooking are usually fine. Ask your pediatrician.
How do you introduce allergens?
Current guidance often suggests introducing peanut and egg early, in a safe form, for many babies. Do not guess. Ask your pediatrician about your baby's risk and the right way to begin. Offer new allergens one at a time at home, early in the day.
How can the baby share family dinner?
Set aside unseasoned portions before salt and spice. Mash or cut food to a safe size. Put the baby at the table so they can watch and join in. Let them explore, and expect a mess.
How much should a baby eat?
A few spoonfuls or bites is normal at first. Breast milk or formula is still the main food for the first year. Watch for signs of fullness, such as turning away.
When should you call the doctor?
If your baby gags a lot, refuses all foods for weeks, has a rash or swelling after eating, or is not growing as expected. Call right away for trouble breathing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Either can work. Ask your pediatrician what suits your baby.
Set aside the baby's portion before you add salt or strong seasoning.
No. Many babies do well with family food mashed or cut to a safe size and cooked without salt.
Try again in a few days. It can take many tries for a baby to accept a new taste.