Starting Solids Part 5: Getting Ready

Getting Ready for Solids: A Practical Checklist

Starting solids can feel a little overwhelming, but with a few simple preparations, you can make the transition smoother (and less stressful) for both you and your baby. Below is a practical, no-fuss checklist based on what worked well for us—plus a few tips I wish I’d known the first time around!

Is Your Baby Ready for Solids?

Before you introduce food, make sure your baby shows signs of readiness:

  • Shows interest in food – watching you eat, reaching for your plate, mouthing toys

  • Reaches and grabs – able to bring objects to their mouth

  • Holds head steady – strong, consistent head and neck control

  • Sits mostly unsupported – can stay upright with minimal support for 5–10 minutes

  • Makes chewing motions – often seen when teething or mouthing toys

💡 Tip: There’s no rush. If your baby doesn’t quite tick all these boxes at 6 months, give it another week or two and reassess.

If baby is 6 months old and not reaching these milestones, consider following up with us in the clinic and we see if we can help.

Set Up Your Feeding Space

Highchair Must-Haves:

  • Easy to clean – avoid fabric; plastic or wipe-down surfaces are a lifesaver

  • Foot support – an adjustable footrest helps baby stay upright and reduces choking risk

  • Proper posture – baby should sit straight, not slumped (you can use towels for side support if needed)

Helpful Add-Ons:

  • Catchy or floor mat – especially helpful if you have pets or wooden floors

  • Suction plates or just the tray – skip plates early on if they’re frustrating; food directly on the tray works great

  • Bibs (or none at all) – silicone bibs with pockets are handy, or strip down to a nappy for easy cleanup

  • Open cup or straw cup – great to start offering small sips of water with meals

Prepare for the Mess

  • Expect food to go everywhere—it’s part of the process

  • Keep wipes or a damp cloth handy

  • Have a spare outfit (for both of you on some days!)

  • Embrace the mess—it’s all learning

💡 If you're nervous about choking, I highly recommend checking out @thrive_training on Instagram – they share clear, evidence-based tips for baby choking prevention and response. It gave me so much confidence!

Food & Storage Essentials

  • Stock up on soft, whole foods: steamed veggies, avocado, soft meats, omelette strips

  • Freeze portions of puree or mash in ice cube trays (if using some spoon-feeding)

  • Have some pre-loaded spoons ready if you’re combining BLW and purees

  • Store leftovers in small containers for quick, easy meals

Mindset + Mealtime Habits

  • Eat together – babies learn best by watching you

  • Offer a variety – textures, colours, and flavours

  • Let baby set the pace – some days are all play, others more eating

  • Relax about how much is eaten – milk is still the main nutrition source until 12 months

  • Try, try again – it often takes multiple exposures before a baby accepts a new food

Starting solids doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little prep and a lot of patience, you’ll be ready for this messy, magical phase. And trust me—the mess is worth it. The joy of watching your baby discover food for the first time is something truly special.

Hayley Blain