What time should a 6 month old eat solid food?

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend introducing solid foods around 6 months of age, when infants are developmentally ready. Finding the right time for these first meals is a flexible decision that depends largely on your baby’s cues and your family’s routine, rather than a strict clock-watching schedule.

Quick Summary

There is no single best time to feed a 6-month-old solids, as responsive feeding and baby's cues are most important. Solids should be offered after milk feeds, with mornings often preferred for monitoring, but evenings also working well for some babies.

Key Points

Start after milk feeds: Offer solids 30-90 minutes after a milk feed to ensure primary nutrition is met first.
Choose a relaxed time: Select a time when your baby is alert but not overly hungry or tired.
Morning for monitoring: A morning feed allows you to watch for any allergic reactions throughout the day.
Gradual introduction: Begin with one solid meal per day, increasing to two or three as your baby gets older and more established.
Observe feeding cues: Let your baby's hunger and fullness signals guide the feeding process, rather than a strict clock.
Milk is still primary: Remember that milk (formula or breast) remains the main source of nutrition during the first year.

Responsive Feeding: Following Your Baby's Cues

During the first year, breast milk or formula remains your baby's primary source of nutrition. Solid foods at 6 months are less about calorie intake and more about exploration, taste, and texture. This is why responsive feeding—observing and reacting to your baby's hunger and fullness cues—is more important than following a rigid timetable.

Reading Your Baby's Readiness Signals

Before focusing on the time of day, ensure your baby is showing consistent signs of readiness. These can include:

Sitting up with minimal support and good head control.
Losing the 'tongue-thrust' reflex, which would otherwise push food out of their mouth.
Showing keen interest in the food you are eating, such as reaching for it.
Opening their mouth when food approaches.

The Golden Rule: Milk First, Solids Second

For the first few months of introducing solids, it is recommended to offer a milk feed (breast or bottle) 30 to 90 minutes before offering solids. This ensures your baby receives their main nutritional intake and isn't too hungry or fussy to try something new. It also helps prevent solids from displacing milk intake, which is crucial for their nutritional needs.

Choosing the Right Time of Day: Morning vs. Evening

Parents often debate whether to start solids in the morning or evening. The best time is the one that fits your family and your baby's temperament. There are pros and cons to each approach.


Consideration	Morning Feed	Evening Feed
Monitoring	Pro: Allows you all day to observe for allergic reactions or digestive issues.	Con: Potential fussiness or discomfort could affect nighttime sleep.
Family Routine	Pro: Can be easier to fit into a relaxed morning routine without rushing.	Pro: Incorporates baby into family dinner, fostering social connections.
Baby's Energy	Pro: Many babies are bright-eyed and alert after waking up from a nap.	Con: If the baby is overtired or fussy, it may lead to a negative experience.
Breastfeeding	Con: Milk supply is often higher in the morning, making baby less hungry for solids.	Pro: Milk supply naturally dips in the evening, potentially making baby more receptive to solids.

A Sample Schedule for Your 6-Month-Old

This is not a rigid plan but a guide to help structure your day. Adapt it to your baby's unique needs and cues.

7:00 AM: Wake and milk feed.
8:00 AM: Offer a small amount of solids (1-2 tablespoons). A good time for a new food introduction, like fortified infant cereal or mashed avocado.
9:00 AM: Milk feed before nap.
11:00 AM: Wake and milk feed.
12:30 PM: Offer another milk feed.
2:00 PM: Nap.
4:00 PM: Milk feed.
5:30 PM: Offer solids (mashed fruit or vegetable).
7:00 PM: Final milk feed before bedtime.

Easing into a Routine

Start by introducing just one solid meal per day. Once your baby is consistently taking to it and showing interest, you can gradually increase to two meals. Over time, as they approach 9 months, you can work up to three meals and healthy snacks. The early stages are about discovery and exploring, not filling up.

First Food Tips

Start with single-ingredient, puréed foods.
Offer foods rich in iron and zinc, as their stores begin to diminish around 6 months.
Wait 3-5 days between introducing new foods to monitor for allergic reactions.
Make mealtimes fun and engaging, letting your baby touch and explore the food.
Do not force feed. A baby turning away or closing their mouth is showing signs of being full.

Conclusion: Flexibility is Key

Ultimately, there is no single right answer to the question, 'what time should a 6 month old eat solid?' The best approach is a flexible, responsive one that prioritizes your baby's cues and well-being. By focusing on developmental readiness and following a milk-first rule, you can create a positive feeding experience that helps your baby grow and discover new foods in a stress-free way. The focus at this stage is on complementing their main nutrition source, not replacing it. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice, especially when introducing new foods or if you have concerns about feeding. For more resources on infant health, the American Academy of Pediatrics website is an excellent starting point.

American Academy of Pediatrics website

Frequently Asked Questions

At 6 months, you can start with one solid meal per day, gradually increasing to two or three meals by around 9 months, depending on your baby's cues and interest.

There is no single best time. The morning is often recommended for introducing new foods to monitor for reactions, while the evening can work well for babies who are more receptive then.

Signs of readiness include good head control, the ability to sit up supported, showing interest in your food, and a loss of the tongue-thrust reflex.

It is best to offer solids about 30 to 90 minutes after a milk feed. This ensures your baby gets their primary nutrition from milk and is not too hungry or full to try solids.

Common first foods include iron-fortified single-grain cereals, puréed meats, and mashed fruits or vegetables like avocado, sweet potato, or banana.

Yes, you can offer a few sips of water from an open or free-flow cup with solid meals starting around 6 months. It's important not to give so much that it replaces milk intake.

It's normal for babies to reject new foods initially. Be patient, continue offering different foods, and let them explore at their own pace without forcing. It can take many tries for a baby to accept a new flavor.

Introduce fiber-rich foods like pureed prunes, peaches, or peas. Ensure they are getting enough milk and offer sips of water with meals. If constipation persists, consult your pediatrician.