BiberonFrench guidance allows solid foods to start between 4 and 6 completed months. At 4 months, this means suitable first spoonfuls rather than replacing milk or requiring a full meal. Starting ages differ by country: this guide uses the French framework. Follow your local healthcare professional.
- Four completed months means four full months, not the start of the fourth month.
- Start with a few smooth spoonfuls and continue milk feeds.
- There is no compulsory food-group order; do not delay allergens without a medical reason.
At 1–3 months: movement and interaction
Offer short tummy-time moments while your baby is awake and supervised, building up as tolerated. Use the back position for sleep. On a safe mat, leave space to move and limit long periods in a bouncer.
Talk, describe a picture and respond to their sounds. An easy-to-hold toy suited to their age, without small parts, can support play. French guidance discourages screens before age 3, including background television.
At 2 months: check vaccinations
Several vaccinations start at 2 months in France. Review appointments and the schedule with your baby’s healthcare professional. Keep the doses in the health record; a birthday card does not replace that follow-up.
Bring questions about feeds, sleep and growth. Schedules and individual needs may be adapted, particularly after premature birth.
At 4 months: can solids begin?
Santé publique France places the start between 4 and 6 completed months. Look for steady head control and interest in food. Choose a time when you can give your baby your attention. Ask how to adapt the start for a premature baby or a particular medical situation.
Offer a few spoonfuls of smooth cooked vegetable purée or fruit without added sugar. Trying a new food separately introduces its taste. Avoid added salt and sugar: carrot or pear can be enough for a first taste.
At 5 months: variety and allergens
Once solids begin, gradually offer all food groups: vegetables, fruit, starches, pulses, meat, fish, egg and suitable dairy. There is no need to wait for a separate month for each group. Cook meat, fish and egg thoroughly, and adapt textures.
Allergenic foods can be introduced from the start too: well-cooked egg, fish or peanut in a suitable smooth form, never whole nuts. Discuss known allergy or family allergy history with your healthcare team to plan introduction.
Milk and fats still matter
The first spoonfuls complement breast or formula feeds. Continue milk; do not expect the first day of solids to replace a full feed. Discuss individual needs and bottle amounts with your healthcare professional.
Fats have a place from the start. If purée does not already contain fat, add a teaspoon of oil such as rapeseed or olive oil. Vary the oils rather than looking for one perfect recipe.
At 6 months: continue without pressure
Milk alone no longer covers all needs at this stage. Solid foods develop alongside milk feeds. Offer variety and follow appetite instead of aiming for the same plate every day.
Stop when your baby closes their mouth, turns away or pushes the spoon away. Offer a refused food another day. In Biberon, record foods tried and observations to share rather than making early meals a score.