Introducing Solids While Breastfeeding

Introducing solid foods is an exciting milestone in your baby’s first year, allowing them to explore new tastes and textures while helping them learn how to eat. Around 6 months of age, your little one may begin to show signs of readiness for solids.

Although breastmilk remains their main source of nutrition during this time, small amounts of solid food can help support sensory exploration and motor development, and lay the groundwork for healthy eating habits in the future.

At CLS, we understand that transitioning to solids can bring excitement and uncertainty. Every baby is different, and knowing when and how to introduce solids while continuing to breastfeed can help you navigate each feeding milestone with confidence. 

We offer personalized breastfeeding education through our lactation consultation programs, guiding you through every stage of infant feeding.

This article outlines how to recognize: 

• When your baby is ready for solids
• Which first foods to offer and when
• How to balance breastfeeding with solid foods
• Practical tips for navigating common feeding challenges

Most babies are developmentally ready and have digestive systems mature enough to begin solids between 6 and 8 months. However, if your baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks) or has a medical condition that could affect feeding or digestion, it’s best to consult your baby’s healthcare provider before introducing solids.

Solid foods during this stage are meant to complement, not replace, breastfeeding,  which continues to be the primary source of nutrition and immune protection. 

The goal of introducing solids is to introduce new textures, flavors, and feeding experiences while supporting your baby’s developmental milestones, such as learning to chew, swallow, and using their hands for self-feeding.

Rather than focusing solely on age, it’s important to watch for signs of readiness when introducing solids. Here are some indicators of when your baby might be ready to try solids:

• Sitting Up with Minimal Support: Your baby should be able to sit upright in a highchair or on your lap without slumping over. This helps them swallow food safely.
• Good Head & Neck Control: Babies need to hold their head steady while eating, so strong neck muscles are essential.
• Showing Interest in Food: Does your baby reach for your plate, stare at your spoon, or try to grab your snacks? These are signs that they’re curious about what you’re eating and may be ready to try solids.
• Loss of the Tongue-Thrust Reflex: This reflex causes babies to push food out of their mouth with their tongue. When this reflex diminishes, they’re better able to use their tongue to move food to the back of their mouth and swallow.

Every baby develops at their own pace. If your little one does not show readiness for solids at 6 months, there’s no need to rush. Breastmilk continues to provide all the nourishment they need in these early months. 

The CLS team can help you identify the signs of readiness and guide you through this exciting new phase.

Even after your baby begins solids, breastmilk remains a vital part of their diet. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends continuing to breastfeed alongside solid foods for at least the first year, and even longer if it works for you and your baby.

Here’s why continuing breastfeeding is beneficial during this transition.

• Nutritional Powerhouse: Breastmilk is rich in essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that support your baby’s developing immune system and brain. It remains the primary source of nutrition during the first year, even after you start solids.
• Emotional Bonding & Comfort: Breastfeeding is about more than nourishment. It’s also a source of comfort, reassurance, and closeness. As your baby explores new textures and tastes, returning to the familiarity of breastfeeding can be soothing for them.
• Perfect Pairing: Solids are meant to supplement, not replace, breastmilk. They provide added variety and texture, while your milk ensures your baby is still getting what they need to grow and thrive. 

Once your baby shows signs of readiness, introduce solids gradually. Some babies take to the new experience with solid foods right away, while others may need more time and encouragement. 

Start with smooth purees or mashed foods that are easy for your baby to swallow. As they get used to eating, you can gradually introduce thicker textures and soft finger foods.

There are two common approaches to introducing solids:

• Spoon-Feeding: You offer puréed or mashed foods using a spoon. This method lets you control the pace and texture, and can be helpful if you want to monitor intake closely.
• Baby-Led Weaning: Your baby self-feeds soft, graspable foods right from the start. This approach supports independence and fine motor skills but requires careful attention to safety and signs of readiness.

Either method or a combination of both can work well. The best approach is the one that feels right for you and your baby.

Follow Baby’s Cues

In the beginning, just a few spoonfuls once a day is enough. Try offering solids about an hour after breastfeeding, when your baby is calm and alert. Continue feeding solids until your baby shows signs of fullness, such as:

• Turning their head away
• Closing their mouth
• Spitting the food out
• Batting at the spoon
• Wanting to get off the chair

Following your baby’s cues helps ensure a positive experience and allows them to naturally balance their milk and solid intake.

Watch for Allergies

Introduce one new food every 3 to 5 days. This helps you monitor for allergic reactions, such as:

• Rash
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Unusual fussiness

If you notice any of these symptoms, stop the new food and contact your pediatrician right away.

Progress by Age

When your baby is 6 months old, begin with one solid meal daily, offering just a few spoonfuls or bites.

When your baby is 7-9 months old, you can increase solids to 2 meals per day if your baby is interested. Continue to breastfeed first and follow with the solids.

At 9-12 months, many babies enjoy 3 meals a day along with small, healthy snacks. Continue to watch for hunger and fullness cues and let your baby’s interest guide you.

At CLS, we can help you create a personalized feeding plan that aligns with your baby’s development and your feeding goals.

The foods you introduce to your baby will depend on their age, your preferences, and your baby’s readiness and interest. 

Babies benefit from the same healthy eating habits we aim for as adults. This means it’s best to avoid processed fast foods or anything with added sugar or salt. The goal is to offer nutritious foods that support healthy growth and development.

Consider preparing your baby’s food at home when possible. Homemade options tend to be more nutritious, allow you to control ingredients, and are usually more cost-effective than store-bought baby food.

Begin with Simple Fruits, Vegetables & Protein

Many moms start with vegetables, fruits, and meats (rather than cereals) because these options provide energy, iron, and vitamin C, all essential for your baby’s development.

Good first foods include:

• Vegetables: Mashed or puréed carrots, peas, squash, or small, fist-sized chunks of lightly steamed broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potato, or squash.
• Fruits: Soft options like banana, avocado, or cooked and mashed pear.
• Protein-Rich Meats: Tender, fully cooked chicken or turkey, offered as a purée or large soft pieces your baby can explore and suck on.

Add Whole Grains & Dairy

As your baby becomes more skilled at chewing and using their fingers, often around 9 to 10 months, you can begin introducing more variety, including:

• Whole grain breads and cereals (mix cereal with your milk for a familiar flavor and texture)
• Beans or lentils, soaked, cooked, and mashed
• Dairy products, such as full-fat plain yogurt, cottage cheese, or well-cooked egg yolk
• Other meats like lamb, finely shredded or mashed

At this stage, many babies are developing their pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) and are starting to self-feed with small pieces of food or trying to use a spoon.

Introducing solids doesn’t mean breastfeeding takes a back seat. Balancing the two can feel like a juggling act, but a few simple tips can help make the transition stress-free and enjoyable.

• Breastfeed Before Offering Solids: Initially, offer the breastmilk 30–60 minutes before solid food. This ensures your baby is well-nourished and not overly hungry or frustrated at mealtime. Solids at this stage are for exploration and skill-building, not full meals.
• Create a Calm Mealtime Environment: Choose a quiet space where you and your baby can focus without distractions. Sit together at the table, talk to your baby, and offer plenty of smiles and encouragement. A calm environment helps babies feel safe and more open to trying new things.
• Embrace the Mess: Mess is part of the learning process. Let your baby squish, smear, and drop food. It’s how they build comfort and curiosity around eating.
• Offer a Variety of Foods: It may take several tries before a baby accepts a new food. Keep offering new food without pressure or force. Repeated exposure builds familiarity.
• Make It a Family Activity: When possible, have your baby join family meals. Seeing you eat and enjoy food encourages them to mimic and engage.

At CLS, our lactation consultants offer personalized support for introducing solids while breastfeeding. We cover everything from timing and food choices to managing milk supply and mealtime routines. We are here to answer your questions, ease your worries, and celebrate every milestone.

Introducing solids while continuing to breastfeed is a beautiful, evolving journey that celebrates your baby’s growth and deepens the bond you share with them. As your baby explores new tastes and textures, breastmilk remains their nutritional anchor, offering comfort, immunity, and connection.

At CLS, we understand that this phase can be as rewarding as it is uncertain. We provide personalized support through our lactation consultation programs based on your baby’s individual needs.

We can help you select appropriate first foods, maintain milk supply, and create a feeding experience that nourishes both your baby’s body and your special connection.

To start your journey with our certified consultants, call us at 888-818-5653 or request an appointment online.