Austin Moms’ Guide to Infant Nutrition: Feeding Milestones from Milk to Solids

Your baby’s first year is filled with exciting “firsts,” from that first gummy smile to those wobbly first steps. But one of the biggest milestones you’ll experience together is the transition from milk to solids. If you’re an Austin mom navigating this stage, you’re not alone! We are going to share some insights from our infant nutrition course, Baby’s First Bites, to walk you through the essentials of early nutrition and help you feel confident with every bite.
 

When to Start Introducing Solids to Baby

Most babies are ready to start solids around six months old, but some show readiness slightly earlier. Some of the signs of readiness include:
 

•          Sitting up without support

•          Showing interest in your food

•          Losing the tongue-thrust reflex
 

Remember, solids at this stage complement breastmilk or formula - not replace it yet. Milk will still be your baby’s main source of nutrition until around 12 months.
 

Spoon Feeding Tips vs. Baby-Led Weaning

One of the most common questions Austin moms ask is: “Should I go with spoon feeding or baby-led weaning?” The truth? Both can be great!
 

•          Spoon Feeding Tips: Start with smooth, single-ingredient purees. Spoon feeding gives you more control over portions and textures.

•          Baby-Led Weaning Approach: Baby-led weaning encourages independence by letting your baby self-feed soft, safe finger foods. It’s popular among health-conscious families who want their babies to explore textures early.
 

Many families use a hybrid method that combines both - giving your baby the benefits of each approach. If you want to learn more about which approach is best for you and your little one, check out module one of our Baby’s First Bites Course.
 

Balancing Milk vs. Solids

Solids are exciting, but milk remains your baby’s main source of nutrition until their first birthday. Here’s a simple breakdown:
 

•          6-8 months: Primarily breastmilk or formula, with solids once or twice daily.

•          9-11 months: More meals (two to three per day) with breastmilk/formula still in the lead.

•          12 months+: Solids, especially nutrient-rich whole foods, become the main source of nutrition, with milk serving as a complement.
 

Our course offers recipes and printable tips and pointers to help balance solid foods with milk!
 

Preventing Choking Hazards & Safely Introducing Allergens

Safety first, always! Avoid hard, round, or sticky foods that can block tiny airways (think whole grapes, popcorn, or chunks of nut butter). Instead, go for soft-cooked veggies, ripe fruits, and well-mashed foods.
 

When it comes to introducing allergens, new guidance recommends introducing foods like peanut butter, eggs, and dairy early (around 6 months) to help lower allergy risk. Always introduce one allergen at a time and monitor for any reaction. Our course also has a step-by-step guide on how to safely introduce each of the food allergens to your baby.
 

Do Babies Need Vitamins or Supplements?

Even with careful planning, some babies need extra nutritional support. Breastfed babies often require vitamin D, and many need additional iron after six months. In our baby feeding course Austin families trust, you’ll learn exactly which vitamins, supplements, and probiotics your little one might need - and how to choose the best options.
 

Sign Up for Our Baby’s First Bites Course Today

Transitioning your baby from milk to solids is one of the most exciting milestones of parenthood, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re exploring baby-led weaning in Austin, searching for spoon feeding tips, or figuring out how much milk vs. food your baby really needs, Milk Diva is here to help.
 

Give yourself peace of mind and your baby a healthy start. Enroll in Milk Diva’s Baby’s First Bites infant course, perfect for babies 4 to 6 months who are just starting solids or 7 to 10 months learning finger foods.
 

Let’s make your little one’s first bites safe, fun, and nourishing!