Solid Foods Without the Stress
Starting Solids With Breastfeeding in Mind
When Rachel’s baby, Ellie, grabbed a fistful of mashed potatoes off her plate, it caught her by surprise. Ellie looked thrilled. Rachel looked... confused. Ellie wasn’t even six months old yet. Was this a sign? Was it time to start solids?
Rachel had been feeding Ellie human milk since birth, and while she had seen little signs that Ellie was growing and changing, the whole idea of starting solid foods (also called complementary foods) still felt a bit overwhelming. Like many parents, Rachel wanted to make sure Ellie was ready and that introducing solid foods wouldn’t get in the way of breastfeeding.
Around Six Months: Look for Signs, Not Just Dates
While Rachel had heard that babies could start solids at six months, her La Leche League Leader explained that it’s less about the exact day on the calendar and more about watching for signs of readiness. These signs usually appear around the halfway point of the first year.
Here’s what Rachel learned to look for:
Ellie could sit up well unsupported
She had strong head and neck control
She brings objects to her mouth
She could reach out and try to pick up objects (like that mashed potato)
She has lost her tongue-thrust reflex, meaning that they do not push foods out of their mouth with their tongue when they are offered
Once most of these signs were showing up together, Rachel felt more confident about giving complementary foods a try.
Complementary Foods Are Just That, A Complement, Not a Replacement
Rachel’s Leader reminded her of something helpful: solid foods in the first year are meant to complement human milk, not replace it. Human milk still provides the majority of nutrition through the first year. These new foods are more about learning, tasting, and experiencing.
So, if Ellie only took a couple of bites or just played with her spoon for 15 minutes, Rachel didn’t need to worry. That exploration still had value.
Start Slow and Stay Flexible
Some babies like purees. Others like soft finger foods. Some do a mix. Rachel decided to offer simple, soft foods from her own plate that Ellie could try on her own. But before offering any solid food, Rachel always offered human milk first. That way, Ellie started the meal feeling satisfied and was more likely to enjoy exploring food rather than trying to fill up on it.
Rachel's plate became a source of tiny tastes for Ellie. Bits of avocado, soft-cooked carrots, mashed beans, or pieces of ripe banana were all part of the adventure. Rachel didn’t prepare a special menu. She just shared what she was already eating, when it was safe and appropriate for Ellie.
And yes, there were days when more food ended up on the floor, the high chair, and the dog than in Ellie’s mouth. That’s part of the process.
Introducing Water
Rachel learned that if her tap water was safe to drink, it was also safe for Ellie. She avoided bottled mineral water, which can have too many minerals for little ones, and stayed away from sugary drinks or anything with sweeteners or caffeine.
During the first six months, human milk provides all the water a baby needs, even in hot weather. Once Ellie reached six months, Rachel began offering small amounts of water, usually in an open or spouted cup. It wasn’t a lot, and most of it ended up on her bib or her belly, but that was fine. At this stage, drinking from a cup is mostly about practice.
Since human milk already has a high percentage of water, many older babies and toddlers don’t need extra water. But a little bit with meals can help, especially if there's any sign of constipation after starting solids.
Watch the Baby, Not the Bowl
At one point, Rachel caught herself counting spoonfuls and worrying that Ellie hadn’t eaten “enough.” Her Leader gently reminded her that babies aren’t measured in servings. Some days they eat more, some days less. What matters most is the experience.
Ellie was showing curiosity, enjoying the process, and still feeding well at the breast. That meant things were going just fine.
What About Allergens?
Rachel had questions about common allergens and when to offer them. Her Leader explained that current recommendations suggest offering small amounts of common allergens like eggs, peanuts (as thinned peanut butter on toast), and fish around six months of age. Introducing these early, along with other foods, may help reduce the chance of developing a food allergy. Still, every baby is different, so Rachel talked with her healthcare provider to make a plan that felt right for Ellie.
Human Milk and Solids Can Work Together
Rachel’s biggest takeaway? She didn’t need to choose between feeding Ellie human milk and starting solid foods. They could go hand in hand. Continuing to breastfeed through the introduction of complementary foods gave Ellie comfort, connection, and steady nutrition during all the newness.
There were messy days, silly faces, and a few moments of doubt. But Rachel realized she and Ellie were learning together. Feeding isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection.
Rachel’s biggest takeaway? She didn’t need to choose between feeding Ellie human milk and starting solid foods. They could go hand in hand. Continuing to breastfeed through the introduction of complementary foods gave Ellie comfort, connection, and steady nutrition during all the newness.
There were messy days, silly faces, and a few moments of doubt. But Rachel realized she and Ellie were learning together. Feeding isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection.
You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone
If you’re feeling unsure about how to start solids while continuing to feed human milk, you're not the only one. It’s a big step, and it helps to talk with others who’ve been there.
Come to a La Leche League meeting and share your questions. Hear stories. Get support. Starting solids doesn’t mean letting go of what’s been working. It just means adding something new, with care and curiosity.
