Introduction
Starting solids is one of the most exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) milestones in a baby’s first year. As a pediatric occupational therapist, I help families navigate this transition by focusing on the developmental foundations that support safe, successful, and stress-free eating.
Whether you’re starting with purees, baby-led weaning (BLW), or a combination of both, here are the key things to know from a developmental and sensory perspective.
1. Is Your Baby Ready?
Forget the calendar—watch your baby! Most babies show signs of readiness between 4–6 months, but every baby is different. Look for these OT-recommended developmental cues before starting solids:
✅ Sits upright with minimal support
✅ Holds head up steadily
✅ Shows interest in food (watching, reaching, opening mouth)
✅ Diminished tongue thrust reflex
✅ Brings hands or toys to mouth
2. Start with the Right Posture
Good posture = safer feeding. Before offering food, make sure your baby is:
- Seated upright at close to a 90° angle
- Well-supported at the hips, trunk, and feet (use rolled towels if needed)
- Facing you with freedom to move their arms/hands
- Feet supported (use footrest/towels if needed)
🚫 Avoid propping or feeding baby in a reclined seat or swing—this increases risk for choking, gagging and/or aspiration.
3. Build Oral Motor Skills
Feeding is about much more than swallowing! Solid feeding requires coordination of:
- Lips – for sealing around spoon or food
- Tongue – for moving food side to side
- Jaw – for munching and stabilizing
OT tip: Let baby explore soft teethers, spoons, toys and their fingers before and during solids introduction to help build oral strength and awareness.
4. Expect (and Encourage) Mess
Eating is a full sensory experience. Allow babies to:
- Touch, squish, and smell new foods
- Self-feed with fingers or pre-loaded spoons
- Play with food as part of learning—not just eating
This supports tactile tolerance, oral exploration, and overall feeding confidence.
5. Go Slow, Stay Responsive
Follow your baby’s cues—not a schedule. As OTs, we encourage responsive feeding, which means:
- Offering when baby shows hunger
- Respecting signs of fullness (turning away, closing mouth)
- Letting baby lead the pace
Avoid pressure—your goal is positive experiences, not clean plates.
5. Eat Together, It’s So Important!
When your baby begins solids, shared mealtimes become about much more than just food—they’re a powerful opportunity for learning, connection, and development.
- Explore foods with baby
- Imitate chewing, bringing spoon to mouth, etc.
- Describe the food (crunchy, sour, sweet, mushy, etc.)
- Teach simple sign language during meals
- “More” and “all done” are two great ones to start with
- Establish mealtime routines early
As a pediatric occupational therapist, I encourage families to include baby at the table from the start—whether you’re eating a snack or a full meal. Shared mealtimes help build foundational feeding skills and strengthen the joy of eating as a family.
When to Ask for OT Support
Feeding should be fun—not stressful. Consider reaching out to a pediatric OT if:
- Baby frequently gags or vomits with solids
- Refuses to eat or becomes upset at mealtimes
- Shows strong texture aversions
- Has underlying challenges (e.g., reflux, prematurity, muscle tone differences)
Final Thoughts
Starting solids isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about development, connection, and exploration. Pediatric OTs are here to help your baby feel successful and safe every step of the way.
