Introducing your baby to solid foods is an exciting milestone in their first year of life. It’s a time of exploration, messy faces, and discovering new tastes and textures. For parents, it can also be a period of uncertainty—wondering what foods to introduce, how to prepare them, and ensuring they provide the right nutrition. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about starting solids, including fun and easy recipes, weaning tips, and why celebrating your baby’s first birthday with a cake smash photography session is the perfect way to capture this stage!

When to Start Solid Foods

Most health experts recommend introducing solid foods around six months of age. Every baby is different, so it’s essential to look for signs of readiness before starting. Some key indicators include your baby sitting up with minimal support, showing interest in food by reaching for what you’re eating, losing the tongue-thrust reflex, and opening their mouth when offered a spoon. If your baby meets these milestones, it’s time to get started on their exciting food journey.

Baby’s First Foods - Best Foods for Babies

When introducing solids, start with simple, single-ingredient foods that are easy to digest. Fruits and vegetables like mashed banana, steamed carrots, avocado, cooked sweet potato, and steamed apple or pear are great starter options. Grains and proteins such as rice cereal mixed with breast milk, mashed lentils, scrambled eggs, plain full-fat yogurt, and mashed tofu also provide good nutrition. It’s best to introduce one food at a time and wait a few days before trying another to monitor for any allergic reactions.

How to Make Baby Food at Home

Homemade baby food is simple, cost-effective, and allows you to control ingredients. To prepare a basic baby food puree, start with a fruit or vegetable like sweet potato, carrot, or apple. Wash, peel, and steam until soft, then blend with a little water, formula, or breast milk to reach the desired consistency. Serve fresh or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. As your baby grows, transitioning from blending to mashing will help them get used to different textures.

Baby-Led Weaning vs. Traditional Purees

Some parents choose baby-led weaning, where babies feed themselves soft, finger-sized foods instead of spoon-fed purees. Others prefer the traditional puree method. Both have benefits—baby-led weaning encourages independence, while purees provide controlled portions and gradual texture changes. Safe baby-led weaning foods include soft avocado slices, cooked broccoli florets, scrambled eggs, and banana-oat pancakes.

Introducing Common Allergens

Health experts now recommend introducing common allergens early, after six months and in small amounts, unless your baby is at high risk for allergies. Foods like peanut butter (thinly spread or mixed with puree), cooked egg, fish, and dairy should be introduced gradually while monitoring for any allergic reactions such as rashes, vomiting, or breathing difficulties. If any reaction occurs, consult a doctor immediately.

Making Mealtime Fun

Mealtime should be an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Letting your baby explore food, play, and make a mess is all part of the learning process. Offering a variety of flavors and textures, allowing self-feeding with fingers or a spoon, and keeping meals relaxed will help create positive associations with food. Using colorful, baby-friendly plates and utensils can also make mealtime more engaging.

Why Cake Smash Photography is the Perfect First Birthday Celebration

Before you know it, your baby will be turning one, and what better way to celebrate their milestone than with a cake smash photography session? This playful, messy, and adorable experience captures your baby’s personality and growing independence as they dig into their first birthday cake. At Alana Taylor Photography, we specialise in cake smash photography, baby milestone sessions, and newborn photography. Serving families in Clyde, Cranbourne, Berwick, Pakenham, Narre Warren, Officer, and surrounding areas, we create stunning, high-quality images that preserve these once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Final Thoughts

Starting solids is a fun and exciting journey filled with discovery and adorable messes. By offering a variety of nutritious foods and making mealtime enjoyable, you’re setting your baby up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. And when your little one turns one, don’t forget to celebrate with a cake smash photography session to capture the magic of this milestone.

Looking for cake smash photography in Melbourne? Contact Alana Taylor Photography to book your session today! Alana Taylor Photography is a specialised Newborn and Baby Cake Smash Photography Melbourne, my studio is located in Clyde servicing Melbourne and its surrounds. Due to my experience in Newborn Photography I am Melbourne's most highly sought after newborn and baby photographer. My experience, knowledge, patience and bubbly nature ensures happy clients and gorgeous photos to treasure. Alana Taylor Photography is a Professional Newborn and Baby Photographer who specialises in Newborn Photography, Maternity Photography, Baby and Kids Photography and Cake Smash Photography in Melbourne.