Starting Solids: The Essential Feeding Gear for Baby

Starting solids is a developmental step, not a reason to fill a cupboard. A safe seat, a bib, one small dish, one spoon and a cup are plenty for most families. Readiness, suitable food and close supervision matter more than accessories.

When is a baby ready for solid foods?

Most babies are ready at about 6 months when the signs appear together: baby can sit upright in a high chair without support, control and turn their head, and may try to bring food to their mouth. Interest in food alone is not enough. For a premature baby, use corrected age and discuss timing with the professional following your child. Review the INSPQ readiness guide.

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The practical feeding kit

Start with safe seating. Health Canada recommends a high chair only when a child can sit upright independently. Use a working waist belt and crotch strap every time, keep the chair away from counters, walls, cords and heat, and never leave baby unattended. A tray is not a restraint. See Health Canada’s high-chair guidance.

• Bibs: A washable bib protects clothing; one or two are enough to start. Browse our bibs collection.
• Plate or bowl: A small dish is useful. Suction is optional and may reduce sliding, but it cannot guarantee that a dish stays put. Browse plates and bowls.
• Spoon: Choose an age-appropriate utensil that is easy to inspect and clean, and replace it if damaged. Browse utensils.
• Cup: Health Canada encourages an open cup, with adult help at first. A straw cup is optional. Browse cups and straws.

What belongs in the first meals?

Breast milk or commercial infant formula remains the nutritional foundation as complementary foods begin. Offer iron-rich foods first—meat, fish, egg, tofu, beans, lentils or iron-fortified infant cereal—and include them two or more times a day from 6 to 12 months. Gradually add nutritious foods and varied textures; offer lumpy textures no later than 9 months.

Feed responsively: the adult offers safe choices and remains present; baby decides whether and how much to eat. Turning away or closing the mouth can mean “enough.” Water may be offered with complementary meals in an open cup, with help at first, but it does not replace breast milk or formula. Consult Health Canada’s infant-feeding recommendations.

Purées, finger foods and baby-led weaning

Families may use spoon-fed purées, finger foods, or different methods at different meals. For baby-led weaning, baby should be at least 6 months old, healthy and developing as expected, able to sit unsupported throughout the meal, and able to grasp, mouth and release food. Offer pieces soft enough to mash against the palate and suited to current skills. Avoid hard, small and round, or smooth and sticky foods, and supervise every bite. The INSPQ baby-led weaning guide gives more preparation guidance.

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For an overview of the basics, visit our meals and tableware collection.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a suction plate?

No. Suction may reduce sliding and mess, but it is a convenience, not safety equipment. A regular small bowl or plate can work with close supervision.

Can my baby drink water at 6 months?

Once complementary foods begin, an older infant can be offered water in an open cup with meals. Help at first, and remember that breast milk or commercial infant formula remains the main milk source.

Can we alternate purées and baby-led weaning?

Families can use different approaches at different meals. Whatever the method, keep texture and shape developmentally appropriate, include iron-rich foods and supervise continuously.

When should I ask a health professional for advice?

Ask if readiness is uncertain, your baby was premature, feeding or swallowing seems difficult, growth is a concern, or you are managing a medical condition.