How do I know if my 6 month old is ready for solids?

What the evidence says

Around 6 months old, most babies start showing signs that their body and brain are ready for food beyond breast milk or formula. The Canadian Paediatric Society says you'll know your baby is ready when they can sit up without support, lean forward, and have good control of their neck muscles.

Other signs to watch for: your baby shows interest in food when others are eating, opens their mouth when food comes their way, and tries to pick up food and bring it to their mouth. Another good sign is that they hold food in their mouth instead of immediately pushing it back out with their tongue, which is called the tongue-thrust reflex.

Timing matters too. Canadian guidance says some babies are ready a few weeks before or after 6 months, but waiting past 6 months raises the risk of low iron, since babies need more iron than breast milk alone provides by this age. On the flip side, starting well before 4 months isn't recommended because a young baby's gut and swallowing skills aren't ready yet.

Don't rely on things like waking at night more, chewing on fists, or watching you eat as proof of readiness on their own. NHS guidance notes these behaviours are often mistaken for hunger signs but are normal at any age and don't necessarily mean a baby needs solids yet. Look for the physical and behavioural signs together, not just one on its own.

If your baby is close to 6 months and shows none of these signs, or is nearing 7 months with no interest at all, it's worth checking in with your doctor, nurse, or dietitian. Every baby develops at their own pace, so small variations are normal.