This article has been reviewed by Shannon McLaughlin, IBCLC. However, this review does not constitute a warranty of medical accuracy and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or lactation consultant before making decisions about your health or your child’s health.
Introducing solids while breastfeeding is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring up a lot of questions. If your baby is suddenly eyeing your food and ready to explore new tastes, you might be wondering whether solids mean the end of breastfeeding. The good news is they don’t. Breastfeeding can continue alongside solids well into your baby’s first year and beyond.
First of all—yay! This is such a fun (and messy) stage. But if you’re worried that starting solids means saying goodbye to breastfeeding, breathe easy. You can absolutely introduce solids without weaning early. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding should continue alongside solids at least through baby’s first year (and beyond if it works for you both).
Let’s break it down so you can confidently serve that first spoonful and keep your milk supply humming.
When to Start Introducing Solids While Breastfeeding
The AAP and the World Health Organization recommend introducing solids while breastfeeding around 6 months, when babies are developmentally ready. That means:
- They can sit up with little or no support
- They’ve lost that tongue-thrust reflex (aka: no longer pushing everything out of their mouth)
- They’re showing interest in food (eyeing your pizza like a tiny foodie)
If you’re not sure, check in with your pediatrician. There’s no rush. The phrase “food before one is just for fun” isn’t just cute—it’s science-backed.
Will Introducing Solids While Breastfeeding Replace Nursing?
Not right away! In the beginning, solids are just an addition, not a replacement. Think of it like a little side quest on your breastfeeding journey.
Your breast milk is still baby’s main source of nutrition and immune protection. Early solids are more about exploration—textures, tastes, and making adorable messes that somehow end up in their eyebrows.
So, no, you don’t need to start dropping feeds. In fact, you shouldn’t at first. Offer breast milk first, then solids about 30–60 minutes later. And start with just a few tablespoons of solid food, not a whole buffet (no matter what those sweet baby hands are reaching for). This ensures baby’s still getting those nutrient-rich feeds and your supply stays steady.
First Foods 101
You’ve got two main routes:
- Purees (think: mashed avocado, sweet potato, applesauce)
- Baby-led weaning (BLW), where baby self-feeds soft, appropriately-sized pieces of food
Whichever you choose, or if you do a mix (very Everyboob of you, by the way), keep these first food ideas in rotation:
- Avocado slices or mash
- Banana spears or mashed banana
- Steamed sweet potato sticks
- Oatmeal or iron-fortified baby cereal
- Soft-cooked egg yolk (think scrambled)
- Peanut butter thinned with water or breast milk
Pro Tip: Introduce one new food at a time every 2–3 days to spot potential allergies.
Sample Feeding Flow: Solids + Breastfeeding
Babies should be getting at least six to seven breastfeeds or bottles at this age to keep milk supply up and meet their nutritional needs. Here’s a chill, starter-friendly day around six to seven months:
| Time | What’s On the Menu? |
| 7:00 AM | Breastfeed |
| 8:00 AM | Solids (mashed banana) |
| 11:00 AM | Breastfeed |
| 12:00 PM | Solids (steamed carrots) |
| 3:00 PM | Breastfeed |
| 6:00 PM | Breastfeed + solids (avocado) |
| 8:00 PM | Final breastfeed before bed |
Possibly one feeding overnight
Follow your baby’s cues, not the clock. Some days they’ll be more into solids, some days they’ll be all about the boob. That’s normal.
Will My Supply Drop When Baby Eats More?
Eventually, yes—but gradually and naturally. As your baby gets more nutrition from solids after 9–12 months, they may nurse less. But early on, any drop in supply usually happens because of:
- Skipping nursing sessions
- Replacing too many breastfeeds with food too quickly
- Offering solids before nursing
To keep milk production strong, stick with nursing or pumping at your usual times—even if baby’s starting to explore solids. It’s the “demand” part of “supply and demand.”
Real Talk from Real Moms
“I was so nervous to start solids because I thought it would mess everything up. But it was actually so much fun to see her try new flavors. Breastfeeding just kept doing its thing.”
— Lily, mom of 7-month-old twins
“We did baby-led weaning and kept nursing like usual. Honestly, she didn’t eat much for weeks, just played with it. And that was okay!”
— Jess, Everyboob community member
Final Feed-Talk
Starting solids doesn’t mean ending breastfeeding—it’s just the next stage of your incredible journey together. You’re still the main course; solids are just the side dish.
So take it slow, celebrate every messy bite, and remember: there’s no one right way to do this. Whether you’re offering pureed peas on a tiny spoon or watching baby smash banana like a mini Hulk, you’re doing great.
