Starting Solids: A Simple Guide for Parents
*Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
*Blog is for EDUCATIONAL purposes only, NOT medical advice
Starting solids shouldn’t feel this confusing…
but for a lot of parents, it does.
→ “Is my baby ready?”
→ “What if they choke?”
→ “What am I actually supposed to feed them?”
→ “Why does everyone say something different?”
If you’ve been Googling and still feel unsure—you’re not alone.
As a maternal health & infant development occupational therapist in the Chicago suburbs, I help families take the guesswork out of feeding so it actually feels calm, doable, and confident.
Why Starting Solids Feels So Overwhelming
If starting solids feels harder than you expected, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong.
It’s because no one has explained the full picture.
Feeding isn’t just about food, it’s about:
your baby’s development (posture, oral motor skills, coordination)
their sensory system (textures, mess, new experiences)
your nervous system (fear of choking, pressure to “do it right”)
your environment (high chair setup, timing, routines)
When those pieces aren’t lining up…feeding can feel stressful fast.
And that’s exactly where occupational therapy comes in.
If you’re feeling unsure about starting solids, you don’t have to figure this out on your own.
When to Start Solids:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting solids around 6 months of age. However, each baby is unique, and readiness can vary. Look for these signs:
Sitting up with little support
Showing interest in food
Good head control
Swallowing food instead of pushing it out with their tongue
Most guides will tell you to look for signs like sitting up or showing interest in food, and those are important.
But as an occupational therapist, I’m also looking at:
Can your baby maintain a supported upright position during feeding?
Do they have the stability to bring their hands to their mouth?
Are they able to manage saliva and coordinate swallowing?
Because readiness isn’t just about age, it’s about how your baby’s body is functioning.
What most people get wrong about starting solids:
❌ It’s about how much your baby eats
✔ It’s actually about learning skills
❌ You need the “perfect” first food
✔ You need safe textures + variety
❌ You have to choose between purées or baby-led weaning
✔ You can do both
❌ If your baby isn’t eating, something is wrong
✔ Early feeding is about exposure, not intake
When you shift your expectations, feeding starts to feel a lot less stre
Additional things to keep in mind:
Gagging vs. Choking (This is a big one)
One of the biggest concerns I hear from parents when starting solids is:
“What if my baby chokes?”
And that fear is real, but understanding the difference between gagging and choking can help you feel so much more confident.
Gagging is a normal and protective reflex.
You might notice your baby:
coughing
making faces
eyes watering
pushing food back out
This happens because babies have a more sensitive gag reflex, which actually helps them learn how to manage different textures and sizes of food safely.
As an occupational therapist, I often remind parents: gagging is part of the learning process
Your role here is to stay calm, give your baby time, and allow them to work through it.
Choking, on the other hand, is when the airway is blocked.
Signs may include:
silence (no coughing or crying)
difficulty breathing
panicked expression
color changes (blue/gray)
This is a medical emergency.
If your baby is choking, perform infant first aid (back blows + chest thrusts) and call emergency services immediately.
✔ I always recommend taking an infant CPR/First Aid class before starting solids—it can make a huge difference in how confident you feel during meals.
✔ And of course, always supervise your baby and offer developmentally appropriate food sizes and textures.
Want hands-on guidance and real-time support?
My Starting Solids class walks you through exactly how to do this with your baby.
Recommended Products (from an OT + Mom of 3):
You don’t need a million products to start solids…but having the right setup can make a big difference in how successful (and less stressful) mealtimes feel.
As a mom of 3 and an occupational therapist, these are a few of my go-to favorites:
Pre-loaded baby spoons: Great for early self-feeding (NumNum is a favorite)
Suction plates/bowls: Helps reduce frustration + supports independence (I love EZPZ)
High chair with foot support: This is HUGE for posture and feeding success
Silicone bibs: Easy cleanup = less stress
Straw or open cups: Supports oral motor development (Olababy is a great option as well as Ark Therapeutic’s Honeybear cup)
Notice these aren’t just “nice to have”. They actually support:
posture
coordination
independence
sensory exploration
Which all play a role in feeding success.
Simple Tips to Make Starting Solids Feel Easier
Starting solids doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Small shifts can make a big difference.
Stay relaxed: Your baby can feel your energy. When you’re calm, they’re more likely to feel safe exploring.
Follow your baby’s pace: Some days they’ll eat more, some days less—that’s normal.
Focus on exposure, not intake: Early feeding is about learning, not how much they eat.
Create a simple routine: Consistency helps your baby know what to expect and builds comfort over time.
When Starting Solids Doesn’t Feel Easy
You might need more support if:
your baby gags frequently or seems uncomfortable
they refuse certain textures or won’t bring food to their mouth
mealtimes feel stressful or overwhelming
you’re constantly second guessing what to offer
Feeding should feel like a learning experience, not a daily stressor.
Starting solids doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Whether you want:
a clear plan
hands-on support
or reassurance you’re on the right track
I’m here to help, serving Orland Park + Chicago suburbs
For more tips, resources, and personal experiences, follow me on Instagram @motivatedotmama for daily updates and inspiration.