6 to 12+ months

Starting solid foods is an exciting milestone, and it's natural to wonder when the time is right. For most babies it's at around six months. By then their digestive system has matured and they're developmentally ready to start exploring food. Every baby is different, though, so rather than going by the calendar alone, look for these three signs appearing together:

• They can sit up and hold their head steady. This helps them swallow safely.
• They can coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth. They can look at food, pick it up and bring it to their mouth on their own.
• They can swallow food rather than push it back out. Babies are born with a tongue-thrust reflex that protects them from choking. When they start swallowing food instead of pushing it out, that reflex is fading.

Some behaviours are often mistaken for readiness, such as chewing their fists, waking more at night or wanting extra milk feeds. These are normal parts of development and don't usually mean your baby needs solid food. When you see all three signs together, your baby is ready to start. Early on, milk still provides most of their nutrition, so the first few weeks are about new tastes, textures and experiences, not how much they eat. If your baby was born prematurely or you have any concerns, your health visitor can advise on the right time for your baby.

Both, are equally important when starting out. A loaded spoon for your baby to reach lets your baby practise the grip and get used to cutlery at mealtimes, while fingers do the exploring and tasting. 

Dropping and throwing things is a normal and important part of your baby's development. They're discovering cause and effect, practising letting go of objects, and watching where things land. They may also be showing you they've had enough. It's rarely naughtiness at this age, so try to stay calm and keep your reaction low-key, because a big response can quickly turn it into a game. Offer small amounts of food at a time and add more when they're ready, and watch for signs they're full, such as turning their head away or pushing food off the tray. Eating together helps your baby learn by watching you, and suction bowls and plates can help keep food where it belongs. Expect cutlery to be dropped often while your baby learns to grip and control it. Simply hand it back, and praise them when they bring food to their mouth.

Yes, a suction bowl is incredibly helpful. Your baby doesn't understand the purpose of a bowl at this age or that it needs to stay on the table. Banging the bowl, pushing and pulling at it is all part of exploring. Your baby's whole meal being thrown on the floor helps no-one! Suction keeps the bowl in position and helps your baby focus as well as reducing mess. 

Mealtimes with little ones always have the potential for mess! Exploring texture with hands is how a baby learns what food is before they bring it to their mouth. Embracing the potential for mess from the start will help your sanity! Be assured as your baby's skill and coordination improves, the mess will slowly reduce.