The first bite can come in its own time, and any gentle first food is a fine one. Around 6 months, when your baby can hold their head steady and sit with support, you can begin. The early weeks of solids are messy practice more than real nutrition. Breast milk or formula is still doing the heavy lifting.
Look for the signs, not just the calendar: baby can hold their head up, sit with support, and shows interest in your food. Starting before 4 months is too early. Breast milk or formula stays the main source of nutrition through the first year.
Start with simple single foods like iron-fortified infant cereal, or a smooth puree of vegetable, fruit, or meat. Try one new food at a time and wait about 3 days before the next, so if there is a reaction you know the cause.
Newer guidance is to introduce foods like peanut and egg early, in baby-safe forms, rather than holding off. Early, regular exposure can lower allergy risk. If your baby has severe eczema or a known food allergy, talk to your pediatrician about how to do this safely.
Always feed solids with baby sitting upright, never lying back, and stay with them while they eat. Skip choking hazards like whole nuts, popcorn, whole grapes, and chunks of hard food. Honey is not safe before 12 months. Stop a new food and call your pediatrician if you see a rash, vomiting, or diarrhea.
If returning to work is on the horizon, that page covers pumping and childcare. Otherwise, there is no rush. The next bite can wait until tomorrow.