10 Signs When To Start Baby on Solids Australia, Is your Baby Ready? A Complete Guide for Melbourne Parents
- Alana Taylor
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
One minute your newborn is curled up in your arms, the next you’re Googling “is my baby ready for solids?”. Starting solids is a huge milestone for parents. It’s exciting, messy, and often a little nerve-wracking.
In Melbourne, I hear mums in Clyde, Cranbourne, Berwick, Botanic Ridge, Pakenham, Officer, Rowville, Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula asking the same questions in mum groups:
When can I start solids?
What are the signs my baby is ready?
What should I feed them first?
As a newborn and cake smash photographer based in Melbourne with over 15 years of experience, I’ve met thousands of families navigating this stage. And guess what? This milestone is not only about nutrition — it’s also about capturing memories. That first spoonful, that messy grin, the chaos of food on their face — they’re all part of the journey.
Here’s your complete guide to the 10 signs your baby is ready for solids, plus practical tips for introducing foods and how to celebrate this milestone (hint: photography is the perfect way).
When To Start Baby on Solids Australia? What Age Do Babies Usually Start?
💡 Are you frantically Googling “when to start solids Australia,” “is 4 months too early for solids,” and “how do I know if my baby is ready for solids” — only to end up with 20 different answers and even more questions?
So, what’s the real answer? When To Start Baby on Solids Australia — and how do you know if your little one is truly ready?
Most health guidelines, including the Australian recommendations, suggest introducing solids around 6 Months of Age. But age alone isn’t enough — your baby also needs to show signs of readiness.
10 Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solids
1. Sitting with Support
Your baby doesn’t have to sit unassisted, but they should be able to sit upright with minimal support. This helps them swallow safely.
2. Good Head & Neck Control
If your baby can hold their head steady and look around easily, it’s a strong sign they’re ready to try solids.
3. Interest in Food
Does your baby stare at your plate, reach for your fork, or mimic chewing? Curiosity is a big sign.
4. Loss of the Tongue-Thrust Reflex
Young babies push food out with their tongue. When this reflex fades, they can actually swallow solids.
5. Chewing Motions
Even without teeth, babies practice chewing by moving their jaw up and down.
6. Using Hands to Grab Objects
Self-feeding begins with reaching and grasping. If they grab toys, they’ll soon grab food.
7. Increased Appetite
If your baby seems hungrier than usual and milk alone isn’t satisfying them, solids might be next.
8. Ability to Swallow Small Amounts
Watch if they can move puree from the front of the mouth to the back without spitting it all out.
9. Doubled Birth Weight
Many babies are considered ready once they’ve roughly doubled their birth weight (around 6 months).
10. Showing Displeasure When Milk Alone Isn’t Enough
If your baby fusses after milk feeds or wakes more frequently at night despite full feeds, it could mean they’re ready for more nutrition.
Once your little one shows signs of readiness, the next question is: what should I feed them first?
Iron-rich foods: pureed meats, lentils, or fortified cereals.
Soft fruits and veggies: avocado, sweet potato, pumpkin, banana.
Small amounts of dairy: plain yoghurt or cheese (after 6 months).
Purees vs Baby-Led Weaning
There are two popular approaches:
Purees: Traditional method, spoon-feeding smooth textures.
Baby-led weaning (BLW): Offering soft, finger-sized pieces for baby to self-feed.
Many Melbourne mums mix both methods, letting babies explore textures safely.
Common FAQs
1. Can I start solids at 4 months?
It’s not recommended unless advised by a health professional.
2. What about allergies?
Introduce common allergens (peanut, egg, dairy) early but one at a time. Always watch for reactions.
3. Do I need special equipment?
A baby spoon, suction bowl, high chair, and plenty of bibs (and wipes!).
Local Connection: Solids & Baby Photography in Melbourne
Here’s something many parents don’t realise: starting solids is actually a perfect milestone to photograph.
In my Clyde studio, I offer Affordable cake smash sessions melbourne for families from Cranbourne, Berwick, Pakenham, Officer, Narre Warren, Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula and Beyond.
Whether it’s baby’s first spoonful of pumpkin puree or their first cake smash for their first birthday, these memories are priceless.
Parents often say: “I wish I’d captured that messy first food face.” That’s exactly what I help with — turning those fleeting, sticky moments into timeless photos.
Your Baby is Nearly ONE! Book Your First Birthday Cake Smash Photoshoot!!
Starting solids is one of the most exciting chapters in your baby’s first year. Look for the 10 signs of readiness, introduce iron-rich foods, and embrace the mess.
And don’t forget — this stage flies by. Book a First Birthday cake smash session in Melbourne with Alana Taylor Photography in Clyde, serving families across Melbourne’s South East. Because while the food will be gone in seconds, the memories deserve to last a lifetime.
