Here are my charts for STARTING SOLID FOODS for under 12m ❤️

Starting solid foods with your baby is an exciting milestone but can also feel overwhelming. From my experience, one of the most helpful things was understanding how their ability to handle different food textures progresses between 6 and 12 months. For example, at 6 months, offering very soft finger foods or cooked foods that can be easily mashed helps babies practice chewing motions safely. By 7 to 8 months, babies can handle soft finger foods shaped into easy-to-hold pieces. Introducing a variety of textures gradually, rather than rushing or sticking to one type for months, encourages skill development in chewing and swallowing. I found that offering smaller pieces and experimenting with temperatures kept my baby interested and comfortable. Watching for developmental readiness signs—like good head and neck control, sitting independently, and showing interest in food—ensures the baby is physically prepared to start solids, which reduces choking risks. When my baby refused certain foods, staying calm and persistently offering the food multiple times without pressure helped build acceptance. Modeling eating by sharing mealtime and switching up food textures, sizes, and temperatures made a difference too. Iron-rich foods are crucial at this stage. Including gentle sources such as ground beef, poultry, and iron-fortified cereals supports healthy development. It's important to check allergen guidelines; for instance, cashews can be introduced carefully once safety and readiness are confirmed. Tracking each food introduced and monitoring allergens gives peace of mind as you expand your baby’s diet. Overall, starting solids successfully is about patience, observation, and gradual progression in texture and portion sizes to match your baby’s evolving skills and nutritional needs.