Starting Solids: The Challenges, the Joys, and Everything in Between
Is your question, how to start solids for your baby? Here is what you need to know.
Starting solids for babies with puree and finger foods
Hi everyone, I’m Franka—a mom of two wonderful girls, a nutritionist, and someone who’s been passionate about healthy eating for over 20 years. When I became a mother, I realized just how overwhelming it can feel when your baby starts reaching for that first bite of food. The questions, the worries, the excitement—all of it mixed together made the introduction of solids quite the rollercoaster. But it didn’t have to be that way, and that’s why I’m here to share my experience with you.
How to start complimentary foods?
When my daughter Ida reached the age where she was ready to start solids, I wanted everything to be perfect. I followed the classic guidelines, tried to replace breastfeeding with neatly planned meals—and it just didn’t work for us. There was crying (from both of us), frustration, and a lot of uncertainty. It felt like I was doing something wrong because she wasn’t following the “plan” that everyone said she should. That’s when I realized that maybe the plan was the problem—not my baby or me.
That moment changed everything for us. I threw out the rigid schedules and started listening to Ida—her cues, her interests, and her pace. I introduced finger foods alongside purees, let her explore the textures, and eat at her own pace. Instead of worrying about how many spoonfuls she ate, I celebrated the small steps—the first taste of avocado, the way she held a broccoli floret, or the smiles we shared when she tried something new. This relaxed approach made me realize that introducing solids is not about perfection; it’s about connection.
The Beauty of an Individual Journey
Every baby is different, and that’s one of the most beautiful aspects of parenting. There’s no one-size-fits-all method for introducing solids—it’s about finding what works best for you and your little one. Some babies are eager to dive right into finger foods, while others prefer purees or a mix of both. That’s perfectly okay. I wrote “How to Start Solids” because I want parents to know that there’s no wrong way—only what feels right for you and your baby.
In my book, I’ve shared everything I’ve learned over the years. It includes a 4-week plan to help you get started, but it’s not a rigid schedule—it’s a flexible guide designed to be adapted to your baby’s needs. You’ll find recipes for both purees and finger foods, practical tips on balancing nutrients, and advice for those moments when you’re feeling unsure.
What You’ll Find in „How to Start Solids“
• Practical advice for recognizing when your baby is ready for solids.
• Step-by-step instructions for introducing purees, finger foods, or a combination.
• Baby-friendly recipes for the first four weeks of complementary feeding.
• Real-life tips on overcoming common challenges like gagging, picky eating, and allergies.
• A focus on responsive feeding and encouraging independent eating.
• Insights into building balanced baby plates and maintaining key nutrients.
• A guide to equipment needed for starting solids and tips for food preparation and storage.
• A flexible 4-week meal plan to help guide you through the early days of complementary feeding.
• Strategies for making mealtimes fun and positive for the whole family.
• Answers to frequently asked questions, giving you peace of mind and confidence.
Common Challenges, Real Solutions
One of the biggest challenges I faced, and I’m sure many of you do too, is the fear of doing it “wrong.” Are they eating enough? What if they choke? Should I stick to only one kind of food for a week to rule out allergies? It’s so easy to get lost in the “shoulds” and “what ifs” that we forget to enjoy this incredible time of exploration and growth.
In my experience, and through supporting other parents, I’ve learned that starting solids is less about rules and more about trust—trusting yourself, your baby, and the process. Of course, safety is always a top priority. That’s why I’ve included all the essential information on preventing choking, recognizing signs of readiness, and ensuring balanced nutrition. But more than anything, I want you to relax, take a deep breath, and know that you’re doing a great job.
A Joyful Journey for the Whole Family
Introducing solids doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be a fun adventure that brings you closer as a family. Whether you’re mashing up an avocado or letting your little one try a piece of soft broccoli, every meal can be a moment of connection and discovery. I’ve seen firsthand how a relaxed approach can make all the difference—not just for the baby, but for the parents too.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want some practical guidance, “How to Start Solids” is here for you. It’s filled with my favorite recipes, my own experiences, and everything I wish I’d known when I started this journey with Ida and her sister. I hope that by sharing my story, I can help make your journey a little bit easier, a lot more joyful, and full of wonderful, messy mealtime memories.
You’ve got this—and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
