Boon

Hi, it’s Emily Silver, Family NP, IBCLC and co-founder of @nurturebynaps Let’s talk starting solids: the real deal from a nurse and mom of 3 👀

There is SO much pressure around starting solids 😅

Purees vs baby led weaning
What foods to start with
How much they should eat
When to introduce allergens
Whether you’re “doing it right”

So let’s simplify it 🤍

For most babies, solids start around 6 months. But honestly? We care more about signs of readiness.

We want babies who can:
✨ Sit with support
✨ Hold their head steadily
✨ Bring objects to their mouth
✨ Show interest in food
✨ Lose that strong tongue thrust reflex

Now let’s talk allergens 👀

One of the biggest shifts in feeding recommendations is to introduce allergens early and often, as early as 4-6 months of age.

The big allergens we think about are:
🥚 Egg
🥜 Peanut
🥛 Dairy
🌾 Wheat
🫘 Soy
🐟 Fish
🦐 Shellfish
🌰 Tree nuts
🫓 Sesame

And here’s the important part people miss: It’s not just introducing them once. We want ongoing exposure. Meaning once your baby tolerates peanut or egg, keep it in the regular rotation.

And now for the puree vs baby led weaning debate. Research shows that one is not superior to the other. Babies do well with purees, BLW, or both. So you do not have to pick a side. Instead, do what feels most realistic and enjoyable for your family.

Starting solids should feel flexible, not stressful.

This phase is about
✨ Exploration
✨ Exposure
✨ Tastes
✨ Textures
✨ Learning how to eat

Not perfection.

And remember: milk/formula is still doing the heavy lifting nutritionally for most of the first year 🤍

Questions on starting solids? Ask a Nurse in the comments!