Introduction
Starting solids is an exciting milestone for babies and families—but it can also feel overwhelming. When should we start? What should we feed? How do we know if our baby is ready?
As a pediatric occupational therapist, I help guide families through this process by focusing on the foundations of safe, enjoyable feeding—oral motor readiness, sensory processing, posture, and developmental milestones.
How OTs Support Starting Solids
Here are key ways an OT can help during the transition to solids:
1. Assessing Readiness
Every baby is unique. While many start solids around 6 months, we look for signs of readiness, including:
- Good head and neck control
- Ability to sit with support
- Interest in food
- Bringing items to their mouths
- Loss of tongue thrust reflex
OTs can assess these developmental signs and offer guidance on when it will be appropriate to start solids.
2. Oral Motor Skills Support
Babies need strong oral motor coordination to handle different food textures. As OTs, we:
- Observe jaw, lip, and tongue movements
- Offer exercises or strategies to improve oral coordination and strength
- Recommend appropriate utensils and cups to build skill development
3. Sensory Processing Support
Some babies are sensitive to food textures, temperatures, or even smells. OTs address:
- Food aversions and gagging
- Gradual exposure to new foods
- Sensory play to increase tolerance
- Food texture modifications
4. Positioning for Safe Eating
Proper posture = safer swallowing and easier eating. OTs help ensure:
- Baby is well-supported in a high chair
- Feet are supported and hips are stable
- Baby has appropriate upright posture
- Mealtime environment supports focus and regulation
- Establishment of Routines
When your baby begins solids, shared mealtimes become about much more than just food—they’re a powerful opportunity for learning, connection, and development. As OTs we:
- Encourage exploring foods together
- Imitate chewing, bringing spoon to mouth, etc.
- Describe the food (crunchy, sour, sweet, mushy, etc.)
- Teach simple sign language during meals
- Sit down together at the table for all mealtimes and snacks
- Build routines around mealtime that support emotional regulation and family bonding
5. Caregiver Education
We partner with families to:
- Create mealtime routines
- Identify stressors
- Encourage responsive feeding (watching for hunger and fullness cues)
When to Seek OT Support
You might benefit from OT support if your baby:
- Is 6+ months and not showing interest in food
- Has frequent gagging, coughing, or difficulty managing textures
- Shows strong preferences or aversions
- Has a history of reflux, prematurity, or feeding tube use
Final Thoughts
Starting solids is about more than just eating—it’s a whole-body developmental experience. Pediatric OTs support families in creating positive, confident feeding experiences right from the start.
