Feeding
Complementary feeding: starting solids at 6 months
By Dr. P. Rajesh Khanna, MBBS, MD (Paediatrics) · TSMC Reg. No. 58018 · Updated October 2026
From 6 months, breast milk alone is no longer enough. Here is how to introduce solid foods safely and gradually.
When to start
Breast milk alone is enough for the first 6 completed months. Complementary foods are started at 6 months, alongside breastfeeding, which should continue to 2 years or beyond. Starting solids before 6 months is not advised, and never before 4 months.
Signs your baby is ready: sits with support, holds the head steady, shows interest in your food and no longer pushes food out with the tongue.
How to begin
- Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons of soft, mashed or semi-solid food once or twice a day, then increase slowly.
- Good first foods: thick dal or khichdi, mashed rice with ghee, ragi porridge, mashed banana, boiled and mashed vegetables, curd.
- Include iron-rich foods early: dal, green leafy vegetables, ragi, egg, fish or meat as per your family's diet.
- Increase to 2 to 3 meals a day at 6 to 8 months, 3 to 4 meals plus a snack at 9 to 11 months, and family foods by 12 months.
- Move from smooth to mashed to small soft pieces as your baby learns to chew.
- Common allergenic foods such as egg and peanut (as a thin paste, never whole) can be introduced once your baby is taking other solids. Speak to your doctor first if there is eczema or a strong family history of allergy.
Feed responsively
Sit your baby upright, feed slowly with clean hands and utensils, watch for signs of being full, and never force. Let your baby touch and explore food.
What to avoid in the first year
- Honey, and cow's or buffalo's milk as the main drink.
- Added salt and sugar (avoid until at least 2 years of age), tea, coffee, soft drinks and packaged juices.
- Whole nuts, whole grapes and other hard or round foods that can cause choking.
- Feeding from a bottle with watery or diluted food. Use a cup, spoon or katori.