The First-Year Feeding Roadmap: From Milk to Family Meals

If you've ever Googled "when to start solids" and walked away more confused than when you started, you're not alone. One source says four months, another says six. Your pediatrician might say one thing, the internet another. And once you do start, the questions multiply: purées or finger foods? Which foods first? How much? How often? What if your baby just spits everything out? This guide cuts through the noise. Inside, you'll get a clear, month-by-month roadmap for introducing solids—from recognizing true readiness signs (not just age on a calendar) to serving first foods, navigating textures, preventing picky eating, and smoothly transitioning to family meals by the end of year one. You'll learn exactly what to serve, how to serve it, and what to watch for at every stage, with practical meal ideas and real strategies to avoid the most common feeding pitfalls. Sharon Mazel is the co-author of What to Expect When You're Expecting and author of Bite-Sized Parenting. She's spent decades translating complex parenting advice into actionable, bite-sized steps for overwhelmed parents. This roadmap is designed to give you the same clarity and confidence—so you can stop second-guessing every spoonful and start enjoying mealtimes with your baby.