Your baby just turned six months—how exciting! With all the new giggles, that wobbly-but-determined sitting, and endless curiosity, it’s also a great time to start introducing solid foods. It’s a big milestone (for both of you!), and while it’s super exciting, it’s totally normal to have a million questions about where to begin.

Is my baby ready? What should I start with? How often should they eat? What kind of nutrients should I make sure they have? Don’t worry, these are all common questions every parent has before starting solids. This guide breaks down the basics of feeding a six-month-old baby, so you can feel more confident and prepared during this new stage of your little one’s development.

Is Your Baby Ready for Solids?

Before you even think about starting solids, you should ask yourself if your baby is actually ready. Not every baby is ready for solid food the moment they turn six months (and it’s completely ok if they’re not!) It’s important to look for developmental signs of readiness. These include:

• Sitting up with minimal support
• Showing interest in food (like reaching for your plate)
• Good head and neck control
• Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex (so they won’t push food out automatically)
• Ability to grasp and bring objects to their mouth

If your baby is showing most of these signs, you’re good to go!

What Should I Feed My 6-Month-Old?

At six months, breastmilk or formula is still your baby’s main source of nutrition. Solid foods are meant to complement—not replace—milk feeds. Think of it as practice and as a time to explore tastes, learn how to chew and swallow, and join in on family mealtime.

Here’s what to focus on:

1. Start Simple

Begin with single-ingredient, iron-rich foods like:

• Iron-fortified baby cereal (mixed with breastmilk or formula)
• Mashed lentils or beans
• Pureed chicken, turkey, or beef

Iron is essential at this age, especially for breastfed babies, since their natural iron stores begin to decrease around six months.

2. Add Variety (One food at a Time)

After iron-rich options, you can start introducing a variety of fruits and veggies:

• Mashed sweet potato
• Pureed peas or carrots
• Mashed banana or avocado
• Applesauce or pear puree

Introduce new foods one at a time and wait 2–3 days before trying another. This makes it easier to spot any potential allergies.

How Much Should a Six-Month-Old Eat?

Start small. At this stage, solid meals are more about exploration than nutrition. A teaspoon or two is a great start, once a day. You can gradually increase to two “meals” a day over a few weeks, depending on how interested your baby is.

Signs that baby is done eating:

• Turns head away
• Closes mouth or pushes food out
• Gets distracted or fussy

Don’t worry if most of the food ends up on the bib (or the floor)—that’s totally normal!

Should I Use Purees or Try Baby-Led Weaning?

This really depends on your comfort level and your baby’s readiness.

Purees are a great way to slowly introduce new tastes and textures. Start thin and gradually thicken them over time.

Baby-led weaning (BLW) skips spoon-feeding and lets babies self-feed with soft, grabbable foods like:

• Steamed carrot sticks
• Ripe avocado or banana slices
• Soft strips of toast

There’s no right or wrong answer here. Many parents find that a combo approach—starting with purees and offering some finger foods later—works best. If you’re unsure where to begin, check out our other blog post that breaks down the pros and cons of baby-led weaning vs. purees to help you make the best choice for your little one.

Feeding Schedule for a 6-Month-Old

Here’s a sample daily schedule to give you an idea:

Every baby is different—some will eat more, others less. Let your baby take charge and lead the way!

What Feeding Tools Do I Need?

Having the right baby feeding gear on hand makes a big difference—especially when you’re navigating messy meals.

Here are a few essentials from the Twistshake Baby Feeding Collection:

• Soft-Tip Spoons: Gentle on baby gums and easy to grip.
• Divided Plates & Click-Mats: Keeps food in place and avoids spills.
• Twistshake Bottles: Ideal for transitioning between breast/bottle and solids.
• Silicone Bibs: Built-in food catcher = less mess on the floor.
• Mini Cups: Perfect for introducing sips of water with meals.

Simple, safe tools can make feeding feel fun instead of frustrating.

What About Water?

At six months, it’s safe to introduce small amounts of water—especially during solid meals—to help with digestion and hydration.

Start with just a few sips in a small open cup or sippy cup. Breastmilk or formula should still be the primary drink until at least 12 months.

What Foods Should I Avoid?

Even though your baby can try a lot of new foods, some are still off-limits:

• Honey (risk of botulism) 
• Cow’s milk as a main drink (okay in small amounts in food) 
• Whole nuts or popcorn (choking hazard) 
• Salt, sugar, and added spices (keep meals simple) 
• Raw or undercooked eggs and meat

Introduce allergenic foods like peanuts, eggs, and wheat one at a time and watch for reactions. If you have a family history of allergies, talk to your pediatrician first.

Signs of a Good Feeding Experience

Feeding your baby at six months should be a fun, low-pressure learning experience.

You’re doing it right if:

• Your baby is curious and willing to try
• They’re able to swallow most of what they put in their mouth
• You’re both smiling (even through the mess)

Avoid pressuring your baby to eat or finish a portion. At this stage, it’s all about exploration!

Final Tips for Feeding a Six-Month-Old Baby

Here’s a quick roundup of helpful tips:

• Start slow and follow your baby’s cues
• Prioritize iron-rich foods
• Let your baby touch, taste, and play with food
• Keep things simple (no salt, no sugar) 
• Introduce a variety of textures by 9 months
• Make mealtime a shared, positive experience

And most importantly—have fun with it! This is the beginning of your baby’s lifelong relationship with food. Every bite (and every splatter) is a milestone worth celebrating. Embrace the mess, follow your baby’s cues, and enjoy watching them explore new tastes and textures—it’s all part of the adventure!