Babies, Families, and Food: The Transition to Solids

This article includes easy-to-read tables showing typical feeding behaviors for birth through post-12 months.

This article focuses on safety concerns related to baby-led weaning, and how they can be addressed; helpful for families deciding whether to try baby-led weaning. 

This article explains the rationale and practices of baby-led weaning (sometimes called infant-led feeding), which gives the child a large role in setting the timetable for adding solid foods. 

This article for parents and caregivers suggests strategies for switching a child to drinking from a cup. The adult-led strategies may be especially helpful when the primary caregiver does not have the time needed for child-led weaning practices (such as when mother must stop nursing to return to work outside the home).

This article encourages families to use the responsive feeding approach to promote positive feeding experiences for babies and toddlers. 

This tip sheet summarizes the practice of “responsive feeding” to support a child’s independent eating during mealtime. Pay attention to their communication, respond promptly, and let them make choices.

This 5 ½ minute video for parents and caregivers discusses responsive feeding of infants, which promotes social interaction and helps children enjoy food and mealtime. 

This parent-friendly article explains the basics of baby-led weaning, including some “dos and don’ts.”