29/01/2026
*** Starting Solids ***
It’s a source of much confusion and anxiety for many parents.
What age?
How many times a day?
What do I offer?
How much should they eat?
What if they choke?
What about allergens? Should I go sit in the carpark at ED just in case? 😳😬😱
😰😰😰
For most babies, solids should be started around 6 months and not before 4 months, when developmentally ready in conjunction with continuing breastmilk or breastmilk substitutes.
Breastfed babies should continue being breastfed until at least 12 months. There remain many benefits for mum and baby for extended breastfeeding into the second year of life and beyond.
Formula fed babies should receive this for the first year of life but it is not recommended beyond 12 months of life. At one they can transition to getting their daily calcium from a balanced diet which may include whole-fat dairy. If you choose to offer cows milk, this should be limited to no more than 500mL a day to reduce the risk of iron deficiency.
Babies are developmentally ready when they are able to sit with minimal support, have good head control, have lost the tongue thrust reflex and are able to pick objects up to bring them to their mouth. If you’re worried your baby isn’t meeting these milestones around 6 months, consider touching base with your regular GP.
Choosing iron rich first foods is important, as an infant’s iron stores that were received in utero have depleted by 6 months. There are some tips in this PCH handout:https://pch.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Files/Hospitals/PCH/General-documents/Patients-and-Families/Health-facts/Iron-deficiency-diet-sheet.pdf
Introducing common allergens, particularly those you eat regularly in your household and then maintaining them once a week is an important allergy prevention strategy. Nip Allergies in the Bub is a great resource with heaps of great information - https://preventallergies.org.au
And for those who want a scientific read, the new ASCIA Infant Feeding for Food Allergy Prevention Statement 2026 is worth a look! - https://www.allergy.org.au/images/pcc/ASCIA_HP_Guidelines_Infant_Feeding_for_Food_Allergy_Prevention_2026.pd
There has been an explosion of allergen “starter packs” being advertised. ASCIA have released a new position statement explaining why they may not be a good choice and what parents who choose to use them should be aware of:https://www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ASCIA_HP_Food_Allergen_Starter_Packs_Infants_2026.pdf
As for choking, let’s first touch on gagging. Most babies will gag when starting solids and they are learning to move food around their mouth and swallow. It is noisy. They may cough, splutter and retch, sometimes looking watery eyed and red in the face. It can look scary but it is normal (in most cases! If it is excessive and not improving with age, again, see your GP).
Choking is often silent and may be associated with cyanosis (looking blue). It can be deadly because their airway is blocked. Choking is often unexpected and can happen to anyone but is more common in children under 4. There are things you can do to reduce the risk BUT being prepared to manage it if you have to is really important. There are some great tips here: https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/safety/choking-strangulation/choking-first-aid-pictures BUT I strongly recommend all parents consider investing in a first aid course.
As always, if you have specific concerns or questions, see your friendly GP.
