Is your baby ready to start solids?

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  Is your baby...

  • A.
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    Less than 4 months old
  • B.
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    4 months old
  • C.
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    5 months old
  • D.
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    6+ months old
• 2.
  Are you intending to start with purees or finger foods?

  • A.
    purees
  • B.
    finger foods
  • C.
    unsure/both
• 3.
  How does your baby react when you are eating?

  • A.
    They couldn't care less.
  • B.
    They pay attention sometimes.
  • C.
    They watch me eat every bite.
• 4.
  What happens if your baby is placed in a high chair?

  • A.
    They immediately slump to the side.
  • B.
    They can sit upright for a few minutes, but then they slump to the side.
  • C.
    They can sit upright the entire time they are in the high chair.
• 5.
  Does your baby have good head control when being held or while sitting?

  • A.
    No
  • B.
    Most of the time
  • C.
    Yes
• 6.
  Does your baby reach for and grab both big and small objects?

  • A.
    Not really.
  • B.
    Yes! All the time.
• 7.
  How often does your baby bring objects or their hands to their mouth?

  • A.
    Rarely or never.
  • B.
    A few times per day.
  • C.
    All the time.
• 8.
  Sneaky questions because these are about you...Do you feel prepared to start your baby on solids?

  • A.
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    I'm terrified.
  • B.
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    I'm reluctantly willing to start.
  • C.
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    I'm so excited!
• 9.
  Do you know how to perform back thrusts/ CPR if your baby chokes?

  • A.
    Not yet, but I will learn soon.
  • B.
    Yes! I'm so prepared.

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  Give it a while.

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  While your baby is showing some signs of readiness, it seems they have a little bit further to go before they are truly ready.Babies under four months are typically not developmentally ready to start purees, cereal or solid foods (unless otherwise discussed with your pediatric provider).In order to start solids, I want your baby to:1. be interested in solid foods2. be able to sit upright for the entire meal3. have good head control all of the timeBased on your answers, your baby may need *a little* more time until they are ready.If your baby hasn't hit these developmental milestones, but is 6+ months old, please speak with your baby's pediatric provider.Disclaimer: this is not medical advice and does not replace an official evaluation with your baby's medical provider. You should discuss all information with them prior to starting your baby's first bite of food.Get more help:Want to learn more about solids and schedules between 4-6 months? Check out my free guide here.Want more in-depth, streamlined, evidence-based information on both finger foods and purees? Click here.
• 2.
  You're almost ready!

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  You're almost there!It seems like your baby is meeting most of the milestones, but you may want to give it a little bit of time.Just a reminder of what I am looking for when a baby is starting solids:Good head control - this means your baby can sit up with minimal or no propping for the entire meal without falling over.Interest - it is super hard to feed a baby who is not interested in eating. Your baby should watch you eat intently and even try to eat the food themselves. These are all great signs.Ability to grab objects and bring them to their mouth - this is essential for finger foods or baby-led feeding where your baby only feeds themself. A parent who feels prepared & knows what to do in case of an emergency is crucial.Reminder: Babies who are starting with finger foods are typically not ready before 6 months. Babies can often eat, process, and swallow purees or baby cereal before 6 months.Disclaimer: this is not medical advice and does not replace an official evaluation with your baby's medical provider. You should discuss all information with them prior to starting your baby's first bite of food.Get more help:Want to learn more about solids and schedules between 4-6 months? Check out my free guide here.Want more in-depth, streamlined, evidence-based information on both finger foods and purees? Click here.
• 3.
  On your mark! Get set! Eat!

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  Congratulations! Once your pediatric provider says yes, you are ready to go!Just a reminder of what I am looking for when a baby is starting solids:Good head control - this means your baby can sit up with minimal or no propping for the entire meal without falling over.Interest - it is super hard to feed a baby who is not interested in eating. Your baby should watch you eat intently and even try to eat the food themselves. These are all great signs.Ability to grab objects and bring them to their mouth - this is essential for finger foods or baby-led feeding where your baby only feeds themself.A parent who feels prepared & knows what to do in case of an emergency is crucial.Reminder: Babies who are starting with finger foods are typically not ready before 6 months. Disclaimer: this is not medical advice and does not replace an official evaluation with your baby's medical provider. You should discuss all information with them prior to starting your baby's first bite of food.Get more help:Want to learn more about solids and schedules between 4-6 months? Check out my free guide here.Want more in-depth, streamlined, evidence-based information on both finger foods and purees? Click here.