This is a collaborative blog, prepared by Nicole Gleeson (Nurse, Trainer and Founder, Rhythm First Aid) and Zoe Taylor (Dietitian and Co-Founder, Audrey & Alfie)

Introducing solids marks a significant milestone in your baby’s development, but it’s natural to feel a bit uncertain or anxious, especially about safety and choking incidents. Here are our 5 top tips for a safe introduction to solids.

For more information on each of the points below read our full blog on Starting Solids Safely and check out the additional resources we’ve linked at the bottom, too.

1. The optimal time to begin introducing solids to your baby is when your baby demonstrates signs of readiness. This typically occurs around 6 months of age, and not before 4 months of age for traditional weaning, and not before 6 months of age for baby led weaning.
2. How, where and when you offer your baby solid foods to eat is also important from a safety perspective. Know how to create a safe environment for eating, and do this every time.
3. It’s not just the type of foods you offer that are important from a safety perspective, but how you prepare them. For example, pureed tomato is a safe food for babies, but whole cherry tomatoes are not. 
4. Understanding the difference between choking and gagging is important to help you recognise what is happening if/when your baby experiences one of these, and act appropriately. (Choking is always an emergency. In Australia, dial 000 immediately)
5. Remember that babies' hunger levels vary day to day, just like adults. Never force feed a baby or place anything into their mouth when they are not inviting it. 

For more information try:

• Starting Solids Safely - Rhythm First Aid x Audrey & Alfie
• Introducing solids: why, when, what & how | Raising Children Network
• Starting solids: practical tips | Raising Children Network
• Maternal and Child Health services - Better Health Channel