{"id":589,"date":"2026-01-28T11:06:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T11:06:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/feed-production.isthisnormal.co\/?p=589"},"modified":"2026-02-06T03:03:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T03:03:42","slug":"tips-for-starting-solids-0525","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.littlespoon.com\/spoon-fed\/tips-for-starting-solids-0525\/","title":{"rendered":"What I Wish I Knew About Starting Solids"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\n\r\n

The baby stage can feel like drinking from a fire hose. The constant changes, the rapid development\u2014it\u2019s a lot. And starting solids is no exception. When you\u2019re in the trenches, you do what you can with what you know. That\u2019s what I did, and I\u2019m sure that\u2019s what most parents do.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But looking back, here are the top 3 things<\/strong> I wish I had known when starting solids with my firstborn, James:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Gagging Is Normal\u2014and Actually a Good Thing<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

One of the most surprising things to me was how much gagging is totally normal during those first few weeks of solids. As babies explore new textures, learn to move food around their mouths, and develop oral motor skills, gagging is part of the process<\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The important thing to know is that gagging is not choking<\/strong>. It\u2019s a protective reflex<\/strong> that helps your baby avoid choking. Their little bodies are actually built to keep themselves safe as they learn how to eat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Bonus Tip<\/strong>: You can support your baby before solids even begin. Let them mouth and chew on things like finger-shaped teethers, O-ball toys, or their hands. This builds strength and coordination that can help reduce the amount of gagging once solids start.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

That said, too much gagging<\/strong> can lead to a negative association with food, which is why knowing what\u2019s normal and getting support can really help.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Have a Plan (and Support)!<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When I started solids with James, I had no idea how many simple, helpful resources<\/strong> were out there to guide parents through this transition.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

I wish I had known about tools like Little Spoon<\/a><\/strong>, which provides stage-based meals with safe textures and variety. I also wish I had access to the resources we now offer through Infant Insights<\/a><\/strong>, where we help parents feel confident about starting solids, avoiding picky eating, and building a well-rounded diet.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The truth is:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n