Feeding Transitions Part 1: Starting Solids While Breastfeeding or Formula Feeding (6-12 Months)

This blog post is part of our three-part expert series where we walk you through what this balance really looks like in the first year and beyond, guided by insights from a pediatrician, pediatric dietitian, and speech-language pathologist. 

If you’re navigating the transition from milk to solids, this first part helps you find balance between milk feeds, first foods, and your baby’s own pace.

The milk-to-solids transition: how to find your baby’s natural balance

The shift from milk to solids, especially when starting solids for the first time,  is one of the biggest milestones in your baby’s first year, and one of the most confusing. How much milk should your baby still have? When do solids start to “count”? How do you start a feeding schedule for your baby? And what happens if your little one isn’t that interested in food yet?

If you’ve found yourself second-guessing the balance between bottles, breastfeeds, and purees, you’re not alone. There’s no single “right” feeding journey. Every baby moves at their own pace, and that’s exactly how it should be.

In this article, our three experts break down what starting solids really looks like from different perspectives. Our pediatrician, Dr. Michelle Shiffman, explains why milk still matters in the first year and how to know when your baby is truly ready to start solids. Our pediatric dietitian, Catharine Seiler, walks through how your baby’s feeding schedule naturally shifts, from early tastes to three meals a day, and what nutrients matter most. And our speech-language pathologist and feeding therapist, Lauren Remondino, shares how starting solids helps babies develop oral and motor skills for chewing, swallowing, and eventually speaking.

From a Pediatrician: why milk still matters when you start solids | Dr Michelle Shiffman, MD

During your baby’s first year, breast milk or formula is still the main source of nutrition. Think of milk as the main course and solid foods as the side dish. Solids are mostly for learning about new tastes, textures, and how to eat.

This balance between milk and solids forms the foundation of healthy nutrition during your baby’s first year.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months,  then continuing breast milk or formula as your baby begins starting solids and exploring complementary foods.  Many families keep breastfeeding through the first year and beyond if it works for them. Others use formula from the start, or a mix of both. All of these approaches are healthy options for your baby.  

How breast milk and formula support growth and immunity in the first year

• Steady energy and protein: Milk provides the reliable calories and protein babies need while they’re still learning to eat solids.
  

• Brain growth: Breast milk naturally contains fats and nutrients that help the brain develop. Infant formulas are carefully designed to provide the same nutrients.
  

• Immunity support: For breastfed babies, milk still provides antibodies and protective factors that help fight illness, even after solids begin.
  

• Iron awareness: Formula is iron-fortified, but breastfed babies need iron-rich foods starting around six months since their iron stores begin to dip.

Knowing when your baby is ready to start solids (and how to go at their pace)

When starting solids, think of it as practice time, not a meal replacement. Your baby is learning to move food around in their mouth, taste new things, and join the family at the table.  

The AAP and CDC recommend starting complementary foods around six months, once your baby is ready. Signs of readiness include good head control, sitting with support and showing interest in your food. You’ll know your baby is showing signs they’re ready for solids when they start watching you eat or reaching for your plate.

If you are unsure if your little one is ready check out our earlier post, Starting Solids: Why Age Doesn’t Matter as Much as These Signs Do.

Wait to introduce cow’s milk after baby’s first birthday

Wait until after your baby’s first birthday to offer cow’s milk as a drink. Before one year, it doesn’t provide the right balance of nutrients and can lower iron levels. Prior to age 1 using cow's milk in food is okay, for example in oatmeal or to thin out purees. After 12 months, whole cow's milk can be added as a drink as part of a healthy and varied diet.  

For now, breast milk or formula remains your baby’s primary milk source during this feeding transition.

Bottom line: In the first year, breast milk or formula still does most of the work. Solids are there to help your baby learn, explore, and enjoy new foods. Keep offering both, watch your baby’s cues, and let the balance change naturally as they get older and grow. 

From a Pediatric Dietitian: Finding your balance between milk feeds and first foods (Catharine Seiler, RD, LDN)

As your baby starts showing more interest in food, the balance between milk and solids begins to shift naturally. To help make sense of this evolving rhythm, Registered Dietitian Catharine shares what a typical feeding progression looks like from six to twelve months, along with gentle guidance on nutrients and flexibility through every stage. Many parents wonder how much milk their baby still needs after starting solids, and the answer changes gradually between 6 and 12 months.

How the feeding schedule naturally shifts as baby grows

The number one question we hear from parents is how to fit starting solids into daily life alongside breast milk or formula. Pediatric Dietitian, Catharine outlines what typically changes as your baby grows, and how feeding gradually shifts from mostly milk to more meals.

Feeding schedule by age: What starting solids looks like at 6, 9, and 12 months

Around 6 months:
Solids are just for practice. Offer purées or soft finger foods once a day between milk feeds. Breast milk or formula still provides nearly all nutrition (about 24–32 oz per day).

By 9 months:
Solids become routine, two to three small meals plus milk feeds between. Focus on variety and texture with grains, fruits, veggies, proteins, and fats.

By 12 months:
Most babies eat three meals and a snack or two. Milk moves to a supporting role as solids take center stage; many families begin transitioning to whole milk or keep breastfeeding as desired.

Here are the approximate quantities by age: 

At this stage, balance matters more than perfection. Some days your baby might take more milk, others more solids, that’s completely normal.

Simple takeaways for balancing milk and solids:

1. Offer both milk and solids. Try nursing or giving a bottle, then offer solids 30-90 minutes later so your baby is interested but not too full.
   

2. Follow your baby’s lead. Appetite varies day to day, some days solids will be a hit, other days they’ll barely touch them. Focus on growth, energy, and diaper output, not every bite.
   

3. Include iron often. Once solids begin, aim to include an iron-rich food most days to support healthy development.
   
   

The balance between milk and solids doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a gentle, gradual transition. By tuning into your baby’s hunger and fullness cues, you’ll naturally find the rhythm that works best for your family.

Key nutrients when starting solids: iron, zinc, and vitamin C

Yes, breast milk and formula remain your baby’s main source of nutrition in the first year, but once you begin starting solids, you might wonder which nutrients to prioritize. Here’s what we recommend focusing on to support healthy growth and development.

Iron and zinc:

These two nutrients are essential for brain development, immune health, and overall growth. Around six months, a baby’s natural stores begin to decline, and breast milk alone no longer provides enough.

Iron- and zinc-rich foods:

• Red meat (beef, pork, lamb, goat)

• Seafood and fatty fish

• Chicken and turkey

• Eggs

• Beans, lentils, and tofu

• Dark leafy greens

• Iron-fortified cereals
  
  

Vitamin C for absorption:

Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C–rich fruits and vegetables helps boost absorption.

Try adding:

• Citrus fruits

• Red and green peppers

• Kiwi

• Broccoli

• Strawberries

• Brussels sprouts
  
  

Even if your baby receives iron and zinc from formula before 12 months, it’s helpful to introduce these foods early so they can continue meeting their needs after transitioning from formula or breast milk.

From a Speech-Language Pathologist & Feeding Therapist: How starting solids supports chewing, swallowing, and speech

While milk and nutrients nourish your baby from the inside, starting solids also do something incredible for development on the outside. Speech-Language Pathologist Lauren explains how this stage of the feeding transition helps babies build oral-motor skills, confidence, and curiosity with every bite (or mess!).

What happens inside your baby’s mouth when they start solids

For the first six months, your baby’s feeding has relied on the simple rhythm of sucking and swallowing. As you begin starting solids, those familiar patterns start to evolve. You may notice subtle changes, like new tongue movements or small attempts to chew—as your baby builds the strength and coordination needed for eating real foods. Lauren shares what’s happening behind the scenes during this exciting stage, when every taste and texture helps shape lifelong feeding skills.

Feeding milestones by age (0–12 months): how skills evolve step by step

These milestones show how your baby’s feeding skills evolve step by step, preparing them for the exciting journey of starting solids.

Early reflexes that help babies learn to eat safely

As your baby begins solids, they’re not just tasting new foods; they’re building new oral-motor skills. During this stage, several early reflexes naturally fade while more intentional movements take their place. These emerging skills allow babies to move food safely, strengthen their mouths, and coordinate the chewing and swallowing patterns needed for eating real foods.

• Tongue-thrust reflex: Begins to diminish around 6 months, allowing babies to move food from front to back and side to side without automatically pushing it out.
  

• Munching: Between 6-9 months, babies start combining the phasic bite (a reflex that helps them open and close their jaws) with tongue movement to break down soft foods.
  

• Tongue lateralization: As exposure to solids increases, babies learn to move food to the sides of their mouths, a key step toward true chewing.
  

• Active lip movements: Around 6-9 months, the lips begin working more independently from the tongue and cheeks, helping babies control food and swallow safely.

Whether you’re offering purées, mashed vegetables, or soft finger foods, each experience helps your baby practice these emerging skills and gain confidence at the table.

Over time, all of these reflexes, new skills, and exposures progress to true chewing!

Early texture exposure can build confidence and prevent picky eating

Exposure to lots of textures not only helps babies learn new oral skills, but it also makes them more likely to accept new foods more easily and to eat a wider array of foods during toddlerhood and beyond. During this stage, babies are more curious and less likely to reject new sensations, so let's capitalize on it! Learn more about texture exposure preventing picky eating and different ways to incorporate sensory play . If you want to dive into more information about impact of early feeding experiences there is some interesting research! 

Bottom line: Every baby moves at their own pace. Keep providing exposure, stay patient, and let your little one take the lead.

Simple ways to support oral-motor skills before and after starting solids

Even before your baby officially starts solids, there are simple ways to support oral-motor development. Small moments of practice can make a big difference in building strength, coordination, and confidence at the table.

Before starting solids:

• Offer supervised tummy time to help strengthen head and neck control.

• Let your baby mouth safe teethers or toys. This builds jaw strength and awareness of different textures.

• Encourage hand-to-mouth play, like bringing toys or soft spoons toward their mouth.

• Model eating during family meals so your baby can observe chewing and swallowing motions.
  
  

After starting solids:

• Offer a variety of textures and shapes:  purées, mashed foods, and soft finger foods to help practice tongue and jaw movement.

• Give your baby time to explore food with their hands and mouth

• Encourage self-feeding with pre-loaded spoons or soft finger foods to strengthen independence and fine motor control.

• Keep mealtimes relaxed and pressure-free. Babies learn best when they feel calm and curious.

 

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Real-life questions parents ask about starting solids and milk feeds

Every family’s feeding rhythm looks different. Here’s what parents often ask during the milk-to-solids transition.

1. My baby isn’t interested in solids yet, should I be worried?

It’s completely normal for babies to show little interest in solids at first. For the first few months of solid food exploration, especially between 6 and 9 months, milk (breast milk or formula) is still their primary source of nutrition.

If your baby only takes a few bites or seems more interested in smearing food than eating it, that’s okay. Continue offering small amounts of solids once or twice a day, and trust that curiosity (and appetite) will grow with time. 

Tips to try:

• Offering solids about 30-90 minutes after a milk feed, when your baby isn’t overly full or very hungry

• Letting baby play with food - be prepared for a mess and have some fun!

• Eating together - babies learn by watching you eat

2. Why is my baby drinking less milk after starting solids?

As babies get older and solids gradually become more established, usually around 9–12 months, you may notice a slight decrease in milk intake. This is part of the natural transition toward solid foods, providing more of their daily calories and nutrients.

If your baby suddenly refuses milk or drastically reduces intake, it may be due to temporary factors like teething, distraction, or illness. Usually, it’s a short phase that resolves on its own.

3. Is it normal for my baby’s poop to change after starting solids?

When solids enter the picture, poop changes - sometimes dramatically! Color, texture, and smell can all shift depending on what your baby eats. This is perfectly normal and a sign that their digestive system is adapting.

Expect:

• More formed stools

• Color changes (especially with foods like spinach, beets, or blueberries)

• Changes in odor

• Constipation can occur, especially with lower fluid intake or a sudden increase in iron-rich foods. To help:

• Offer small sips of water with meals (once solids are established).

• Include high-fiber foods like pears, peas, and oatmeal.

• Keep milk feeds consistent - hydration from breastmilk or formula still matters.
  
  

4. How do I fit milk feeds and solids into one day?

When starting solids, finding a daily balance between milk and meals can take time. It’s very normal to worry that the schedule isn’t “perfect”. The truth is there is no single perfect routine. Your routine may also change as baby gets older. Here is a general guide that might help:

Over time, as your baby eats more solids, they’ll naturally drop a milk feed or adjust their intake. To encourage appetite and interest in solids further as your baby gets older, you may also start to transition milk feeds to after meals. Also, if you are breastfeeding on demand, it is normal to have more frequent milk feedings. 

5. Should my baby join family meals, even if they’re not eating much yet?

As your baby becomes a more capable eater, it’s wonderful to start syncing their meals with yours. Eating together helps your baby learn family food patterns and makes mealtime more enjoyable for everyone.

A few tips:

• Offer soft, baby-safe versions of what you’re eating (without added salt, sugar or hot spices). 

• Keep simple go-to baby meals on hand for busy days. Some ideas could be canned beans with a veggie puree or soft cooked pasta and chicken. 

• Seat your baby at the table, even if they’re just watching at first.

• Keep family meals low-pressure and relaxed.

• Don’t worry about perfection when it comes to the “family meal”.  Even breakfast or snacks can be a way to connect.  
  
  

Final thoughts: A flexible, confidence-building infant feeding schedule

Starting solids is a journey, not a race, and there’s no one perfect schedule. The goal is a baby who is growing, thriving, and developing feeding skills.

Use recommendations as a guide, not a rulebook. Some days your baby might drink lots of milk and take a few bites of food; other days, they might surprise you by eating more solids and skipping a bottle. Both are normal.

The most important thing? Follow your baby’s cues. Hunger and fullness signals are the best guide you have. Balancing milk and solids isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, connection, and learning together.

 

Written by Dr Michelle Shiffman, MD, Lauren Remondino, M. Ed., CCC-SLP, IBCLC & Catharine Seiler, RD, LDN (Full bios)

Dr Michelle Shiffman - Pediatrician & Advisor at Bébé Foodie

Dr. Michelle Shiffman is a board-certified pediatrician based in Denver, Colorado. She brings her expertise in early development, food introduction, and culturally-sensitive care to Bébé Foodie, where she supports the creation of our evidence-based content and contributes to our expert panel. Michelle’s favorite part of her work is connecting with families during infant and toddler visits—especially when it comes to discussing developmental milestones and feeding. As a mom herself, she's also experienced the ups and downs of starting solids and managing picky eating.

Lauren Remondino - Feeding Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist, Lactation Consultant & Advisor at Bébé Foodie

Lauren Remondino is a speech language pathologist that specializes in pediatric feeding therapy, lactation consultant, and mom of two. After years working at a top children’s hospital, she now brings her clinical expertise—and real-life parenting perspective—to Bébé Foodie. Lauren works closely on developing our How to Serve guides and feeding support content, helping parents feel confident at every stage of their baby’s food journey. She’s all about keeping things realistic, flexible, and supportive—because feeding isn’t one-size-fits-all, especially when you’re juggling nap schedules and snack requests.

Catharine Seiler - Pediatric Dietitian & Advisor at Bébé Foodie
Catharine Seiler is a pediatric dietitian with over 14 years of experience in both clinical and outpatient settings. She’s worked at Boston Children’s Hospital and now supports families daily at Lexington Pediatrics. At Bébé Foodie, Catharine lends her expertise to help parents feel confident about nutrition, from growth concerns to picky eating and food allergies. As a mom of two, she brings both professional insight and a real-life understanding of what feeding kids actually looks like.