Solids readiness

Is your baby ready for solids?

Eight signs from the AAP and WHO. Tick what you observe and we'll tell you where you are.

Around 6 months oldCan sit up with little or no supportHolds head steady when sitting uprightTongue-thrust reflex is gone (no longer pushes food out)Opens mouth when food approachesReaches for or watches you eat with interestBrings objects to mouth purposefullyHas roughly doubled birth weight

0 of 8 signs

Not ready yet

Most signs are missing. Continue with breast milk or formula. Babies don't need anything else before 6 months.

How accurate is this, honestly?aboutAAP / WHO

AccuracyAAP / WHO

These signs are the consensus across AAP, WHO, and major pediatric societies. The strongest predictors are physical: sitting up with control, head steady, tongue-thrust gone. Interest alone isn't enough — babies show interest in everything around 4 months but aren't physically ready.

Around 6 months is the typical right time. Slightly earlier (5–6 months) is okay if the physical signs are clearly there. Before 4 months is not recommended.

Sources: HealthyChildren.org (AAP) "Starting Solid Foods"; WHO "Complementary Feeding."

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