5 Common Mistakes Parents Make When Starting Solids (And How to Avoid Them)
Introducing solids is an exciting milestone in your baby’s development, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so much advice and information out there, it’s easy to fall into common pitfalls that can hinder your baby’s feeding journey. This article highlights five frequent mistakes parents make when starting solids and offers practical advice on how to avoid them.
1. Using Solids to Help Baby Gain Weight
Many parents assume that introducing solids will help their baby gain weight more effectively, but breast milk or formula should remain the primary source of nutrition until age 1. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), solids are intended to complement—not replace—milk feeds during the first year of life.
Milk provides the bulk of the calories and nutrients your baby needs to grow and thrive. Solids, on the other hand, introduce new flavors, textures, and the mechanics of eating, helping to build the foundation for future feeding habits. Pushing solids too early or too aggressively in hopes of boosting weight gain can backfire, as babies need the caloric density and complete nutrition of milk during this period.
Tip: Focus on milk feeds as the primary source of nutrition, offering solids as a way to explore and practice eating.
2. Only Offering Pureed Foods
The period between 6–12 months is a sensitive developmental window for chewing skills, when babies are primed to learn how to manage different textures. Research shows that babies who are exposed to a variety of textures, including finger foods, during this time are less likely to develop feeding difficulties or choking risks later in life (Brown, 2018).
While purees are a great starting point, sticking exclusively to smooth textures can delay your baby’s ability to learn important oral motor skills. Gradually introducing soft, chewable finger foods alongside purees will help your baby develop the coordination needed for chewing and swallowing.
Tip: Introduce age-appropriate finger foods, such as steamed vegetables, soft fruits, or shredded chicken, as soon as your baby shows developmental readiness. Signs of readiness include sitting up with minimal support, showing good head and neck control, bringing objects to their mouth, and demonstrating an interest in food by reaching for or watching others eat. Starting finger foods at the right time supports chewing development and helps your baby build essential oral motor skills.
If you’re unsure how to prepare finger foods safely for your baby, visit the Solid Starts Food Database for guidance on cutting, cooking, and serving foods based on your baby’s age and developmental stage.
3. Not Allowing Baby to Get Messy
It’s tempting to want to keep things clean and tidy during mealtime, but avoiding the mess can do more harm than good. Babies need to touch, squish, and play with food as part of their sensory exploration. This tactile experience helps them feel safe and comfortable with new foods, reducing the risk of developing sensory aversions later on.
Research shows that babies often need to interact with food using their hands before they feel ready to put it in their mouth. By discouraging this exploration, you might inadvertently hinder food acceptance and limit your baby’s willingness to try new foods.
Tip: Embrace the mess! Provide a bib, use a splash mat under the highchair, and let your baby explore food freely with their hands.
4. Sticking to Bland Foods with Little Flavor
The first 2–3 years of life are critical for shaping a child’s taste preferences. Babies are born with a natural preference for sweeter flavors, but this window is also a time when their palate is highly adaptable. Sticking to bland foods can limit their willingness to explore a variety of flavors as they grow.
Don’t be afraid to introduce safe spices and bold flavors early on. Foods like liver (rich in iron and zinc) or dishes with gentle seasonings (like cinnamon, turmeric, or cumin) can provide essential nutrients and expose your baby to a world of flavors beyond bland oat cereal. This helps to set the stage for adventurous eating later in life.
Tip: Add safe spices to purees or finger foods and include nutrient-packed options like liver or egg yolks to introduce rich flavors and essential nutrients.
5. Not Modeling Eating During Shared Meals
Babies are natural observers and learn to eat by watching others. If your baby sees you enjoying a variety of foods, they’ll be more likely to mimic your behavior and feel confident exploring solids. Conversely, feeding a baby in isolation without modeling can leave them confused about what to do with the food.
Shared meals provide a powerful opportunity to teach by example, reinforce positive eating habits, and create a sense of connection during mealtime.
Tip: Sit with your baby during meals, eat the same foods (or modified versions), and exaggerate chewing motions to show them what to do.
Final Thoughts
Starting solids is a learning journey for both you and your baby. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on exploration, connection, and gradual skill-building, you’ll create a positive mealtime environment that supports your baby’s development and fosters a lifelong love of food.
Remember, this stage is about more than just nutrition—it’s about helping your baby build confidence, curiosity, and joy in the world of eating. Trust yourself and your instincts, and know that every small step counts!
If you’d like personalized guidance or support during this exciting stage, I’d love to help. You can schedule a consultation with me through my contact page. Let’s work together to create a plan tailored to your family’s unique needs!
Citations
Brown, A. (2018). No difference in self‐reported frequency of choking between infants introduced to solid foods using a baby‐led weaning or traditional spoon‐feeding approach. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 31(4), 496-504.
