The Solids Starter Guide
Check readiness, find your baby's stage, and decode the moments that make every parent's heart race, all in one place. No guesswork, no scrolling through a PDF.
By Kristi Schlessinger, M.S. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist · Infant & Toddler Feeding Therapist
👆 Tap a button above to jump to that section
SECTION 1
Is My Baby Ready?
Age is just one piece of the puzzle. Here's what to actually look for.
Most parents are told "start at 6 months." But age alone doesn't tell you if your baby is developmentally ready. Tap each sign you're already seeing.
SECTION 2
Find Their Stage
Tell me what you're seeing, and I'll match your baby to their developmental stage.
Answer based on what you're actually seeing at the highchair. Don't worry if you're between two, that's completely normal.
What does eating look like right now?
How much food stays in their mouth?
How do they handle textures?
Answer at least 2 questions above to see your baby's stage
SECTION 3
Panic Moments, Decoded
The moments that make every parent's heart race, and what they actually mean. Tap one to open it.
What's happening
Your baby takes a bite and gags. Watery eyes, coughing, tongue pushing food forward. You're ready to end the meal immediately.
What it actually means
Gagging is normal for all babies beginning solids. Their gag reflex sits much further forward on their tongue right now, on purpose. It's protective. It keeps them safe while they figure out chewing and swallowing. This reflex moves further back with time and practice.
What to do
Stay calm and keep a neutral face. Let them work through it, don't swoop in immediately. Watch to make sure they recover and continue eating. Only adjust the texture if gagging happens on every single bite.
💡 Gagging is not choking. A gagging baby is noisy, coughing and sputtering. A choking baby is silent. Know the difference, and know infant first aid before you start solids.
The Solids Bundle is your complete feeding system in three phases
Phase 1: Getting Started
First Sips + Solids Skills System. Know your baby's stage and introduce drinks the right way.
Phase 2: Building Confidence
Solids Meal Guide + Teach Your Baby to Chew. What to feed them and how to build the skills.
Phase 3: Independent Eating
By the end, mealtimes make sense. No more panic, no more guessing.
You've got some starting points. Now let's actually do this.
Every stage.
Everything you need.
All in one place.
You know your baby's stage. Now imagine going from "I think I get it" to actually knowing what to feed them, how to build their skills, and how to handle every hard moment. That's the Solids Bundle.
Shop the Solids Bundle →