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Pediatric Therapy & Wellness

Is Your Baby Ready for Solids? Gross Motor Signs to Watch For

Plus my favorite essentials for starting solids

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Starting solids is such an exciting milestone- it feels like your little one is officially leaving behind those brand-new baby days and stepping into toddlerhood (cue the tears 😭).


But if you’ve ever Googled “when to start solids” you’ve probably seen everything from “4 months!” to “6 months!” to “whenever Grandma says it’s time.”


Here’s the truth: it’s not about the age - it’s about the skills.


And as a pediatric physical therapist, I want you to feel confident knowing what signs actually matter when it comes to eating readiness.


Why Gross Motor Skills Matter for Starting Solids


Eating is a full-body skill that relies on posture, coordination, and strength.


If your baby’s body isn’t ready to sit and support themselves, eating can feel stressful or even unsafe. It also makes it harder for them to use their hands to bring food to their mouth.


That’s why gross motor milestones are such an important piece of the puzzle. They tell us that your baby’s trunk, head, and mouth are ready to safely manage something more complex than milk.



Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solids


Here’s what I look for before giving the green light:

 

Baby Can Sit Upright with Minimal Support

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Your baby doesn’t need to sit perfectly independently for 10 minutes straight, but they should be able to sit in a highchair or your lap with only a little bit of help. If they’re slumping forward or flopping to the side, they’re not quite ready yet.



Strong Head and Neck Control

No more bobblehead vibes. Baby should be able to keep their head steady and upright without wobbling. This is key for protecting their airway while eating.


Trunk Stability

Your baby should be able to hold themselves upright without folding in half or leaning heavily against the high chair straps. Think of their trunk like the foundation of a house—if it’s solid, everything else (like eating!) works better.


Hands to Mouth

Bringing toys, hands, and teethers to the mouth is actually practice for self-feeding. If your baby loves “tasting” everything in sight, it’s a good sign they’re gearing up to explore food, too.


Loss of Tongue-Thrust Reflex

When babies are younger, their tongue automatically pushes things out of their mouth (which is why pacifiers and bottles can fall right back out). Around 4–6 months, that reflex starts to fade, making it easier to move food back and swallow.



What If My Baby Isn’t There Yet?


First - take a deep breath.


Every baby develops at their own pace.


If your baby is closer to 6 months but still struggling with sitting or trunk strength, it doesn’t mean anything is “wrong”- it just means they need more time and support.


Some ways you can help:

  • Lots of floor play and tummy time (yes, even if they’re rolling, tummy time is still so valuable).

  • Short periods of supported sitting—you sitting behind them, letting them reach for toys.

  • Avoid too much container time (swings, bouncers, loungers) that keeps them from practicing.


And if you’re concerned your baby’s motor skills aren’t progressing like you’d expect, that’s where a pediatric PT like me can step in to support you. Early help makes a huge difference.



What to Look for in a Highchair 👀


A good high chair makes all the difference in helping your baby feel supported and safe when eating solids.


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  • Foot support (no dangling feet!)

    When your baby’s feet are planted on a surface, their whole body feels more stable. Think about how awkward it feels to sit in a tall bar stool with your legs dangling—hard to relax, right? Babies are the same. Supported feet = better posture, easier balance, and even improved digestion because their body isn’t working overtime just to stay upright.


  • Adjustable seat and footrest

    Babies grow fast, and what fits at 6 months won’t fit at 10 months. An adjustable chair allows you to keep your baby’s hips, knees, and ankles all at about 90 degrees (we call this the “90-90-90 position”). That alignment keeps them comfortable and stable so they can focus on eating instead of balancing.


  • Straps that secure baby safely (but don’t do the “holding up” for them)

    Straps should keep your baby safe in the chair—not act as the support system holding their body upright. If the straps are doing all the work, your baby’s trunk muscles aren’t engaged, which can make eating harder. Look for a chair where baby can sit securely but still use their own strength to stay upright.


  • Easy to clean (because starting solids is basically finger-painting with food 🤪)

    Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. Babies are messy eaters, and you don’t want a chair with a million crevices where pureed carrots and Cheerios go to die. Smooth surfaces, removable trays, and wipeable straps are lifesavers.



Some of my favorites:



When your baby is seated in their high chair, here’s what you want to see:

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This simple alignment helps your baby feel secure and supported so they can focus on the new skill at hand- exploring and enjoying food!


How to Make Adjustments to a High Chair You Already Have


Now, if you’re looking at your current high chair and thinking, “Well, mine doesn’t check all those boxes…” don’t panic.


We can absolutely work with what you’ve got. A few simple tweaks can make a huge difference in how supported your baby feels- and in turn, how successful mealtimes go.


  • If your baby is reclined too far back:

    When baby has to lean forward just to reach the tray, it’s harder to focus on eating. Try adding a cushion or folded towel behind their back so they’re more upright. An infant insert or supportive cushion works great when they’re little and can be removed as they grow. Bonus: it extends the life of your chair!


  • If your baby’s feet are dangling:

    Stable feet = stable trunk = safer swallowing. Dangling legs make it harder for baby to balance. Some easy fixes:


    • Add a footrest (many chairs have compatible options you can buy separately)

    • Move the existing footrest up, if possible

    • Loop a resistance band across for baby to rest their feet on

    • Tape or Velcro a sturdy box or book on the footrest if it doesn’t adjust

    • Pull another chair or stool right up to the high chair so baby can plant their feet


  • If your baby is leaning to the side:

    A little side support goes a long way. Try rolling up a small towel or blanket and tucking it along one or both sides, or use a cushion insert that gives more lateral support until their trunk gets stronger.



These small modifications can turn an okay high chair into one that actually supports your baby’s posture and makes mealtime safer and less frustrating- for both of you.



My Favorite Eating Gear


Pro tip: Babies don’t need every single gadget marketed for “first foods.” A few well-designed, supportive tools go a long way. If you want to see all my favorite picks in one place, check out my full Amazon storefront here →.




Bottom Line ⤵️

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Starting solids is one of those milestones that comes with equal parts excitement and overwhelm. There’s a lot of noise out there about the “right” way to do it—but the truth is, it doesn’t have to be complicated.


Focus on the basics: make sure your baby has the gross motor skills to sit upright and engage safely with food, set them up in a supportive high chair, and use a few simple feeding tools that make the process easier. From there, it’s really about exploration and practice.


Some babies dive right in, others take their time, and both are completely normal. If your little one isn’t quite showing all the signs yet, it just means they need a little more time to get there. You’re not behind, and you don’t have to force it.


You know your baby best, and your role is simply to give them the opportunity, the support, and the space to learn. The rest unfolds naturally.



Still have questions about your baby's readiness for solids or milestones?



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rcarreon@foundationspediatricpt.com

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