When should I start introducing solid foods?

Introduction to Solid Foods — When and How to Start 🥕

In a nutshell: The recommendation from the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP) and the WHO is clear: introduce solid foods starting at 6 months old, with exclusive breastfeeding until then. No juice, tea, or baby food before that.

Signs of readiness (ALL must be present)

• ✅ Sits with minimal support and holds head steady
• ✅ Lost the tongue thrust reflex (doesn't push food out of mouth)
• ✅ Shows genuine interest in food (reaches out, opens mouth)
• ✅ Can bring objects to mouth

BLW or baby food? Which method is best?

Most Brazilian families do a combination of both — and that's perfectly fine!

First recommended foods (SBP)

• Fruits: mashed banana, avocado, papaya, pear
• Vegetables: sweet potato, squash, carrot, chayote
• Proteins: shredded chicken, mashed beans, egg yolk
• Important: real food, not processed

Golden rules

1. One new food at a time (wait 3 days before introducing another)
2. No honey before 12 months
3. No salt, sugar, or processed seasonings
4. Breast milk continues to be the main food until at least 1 year old

What other moms say

"My mother-in-law insisted on giving juice at 3 months. I followed my pediatrician, waited until 6 months, and my daughter eats everything now. Trust medical guidance!"

This information does not replace medical advice.