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Introducing solids while breastfeeding




The journey of breastfeeding is a powerful one— an intricate dance of nourishment, comfort, and connection. Then, just as you start to find your rhythm, a new milestone approaches: introducing solids. It’s an exciting transition, but it can also bring a flood of questions.

How do you balance breastfeeds with solids?

What foods should you start with?

How do you ensure your baby still gets everything they need from breast milk?

What impact will starting solids have on your milk supply— and how can you maintain it?


Here’s what you need to know to confidently introduce solids while continuing to nourish your baby and your milk supply.



When to Introduce Solids

Australian health guidelines recommend introducing solids around six months of age, while continuing to breastfeed for at least 12 months— and beyond, if you and your baby wish. Why six months? By this age, most babies are developmentally ready to explore solid foods, and their iron stores from birth start to decrease, making it an important time to introduce iron-rich foods.

Signs your baby might be ready for solids include:

  • Sitting upright and showing good head control

  • Showing interest in food (grabbing at your plate, watching you eat)

  • Opening their mouth when food is offered

  • Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex (stopping automatic pushing out of food with their tongue)

If your baby isn’t showing these signs yet, don’t rush. Every baby is different, and some take a little longer to be ready.



Breastfeeding and Solids: Finding the Right Balance

Introducing solids doesn’t mean replacing breastfeeds. In fact, breast milk should remain your baby’s primary source of nutrition for the first 12 months. Solids are just that—solid food exploration, offering additional nutrients and new tastes, textures, and skills.

To keep breastfeeding as the priority:

  • Offer breastfeeds first – This ensures your baby is still getting all the vital nutrients and immune-boosting benefits of breast milk.

  • Introduce solids gradually – Start with one small meal a day and work up to two or three as your baby shows interest.

  • Use breast milk in purees – Mixing breast milk with first foods can make the transition smoother, providing familiar taste and added nutrition.

  • Follow your baby’s cues – Let them guide you. Some babies take to solids eagerly; others need more time.

Remember, it’s not about how much they eat at first— it’s about learning.


What First Foods Should You Offer?

The best first foods are iron-rich, since babies’ iron needs increase around six months. Some great options include:

🥄 Iron-fortified baby cereals mixed with breast milk

🥩 Soft-cooked meats (like chicken, beef, or lamb) blended with breast milk for a smoother texture

🌱 Cooked and mashed legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans) with a splash of breast milk for extra creaminess

🐟 Soft, boneless fish


Alongside iron-rich foods, you can introduce:

🍠 Mashed or soft-cooked vegetables (pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato) thinned with breast milk

🍌 Soft fruits (banana, avocado, cooked apple or pear) mashed with breast milk for added familiarity

🍚 Soft grains (rice, quinoa, oats) prepared with expressed breast milk


Offering breast milk alongside solids not only supports nutrition but also helps maintain your milk supply.



Common Concerns: My Baby Prefers Breastfeeding Over Solids!

This is completely normal. Breast milk is still the primary food source at this stage, so if your baby isn’t eating much solid food yet, that’s okay. Keep offering different foods without pressure, making mealtimes relaxed and enjoyable.


Avoid forcing food and trust your baby’s appetite—some days they’ll eat more, other days less. Just like us!



How Starting Solids Can Affect Your Milk Supply

Many mums worry about how introducing solids might impact their milk supply. The good news? If breastfeeding continues on demand, your body will adjust to your baby’s needs. However, as solids naturally replace some breastfeeds over time, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Breastfeed first – Offering the breast before solids helps maintain supply and ensures your baby is still getting the bulk of their nutrition from breast milk.

  • Watch for changes – Some babies become so enthusiastic about solids that they breastfeed less. If your supply feels affected, try offering the breast more frequently.

  • Pump if needed – If your baby is naturally dropping feeds but you want to maintain supply, pumping can help signal your body to keep producing milk.

  • Stay hydrated and nourished – Your milk supply is supported by good hydration and nutrition, so make sure you’re fueling yourself well.


Milc. Lactation’s Nourish and Energise support blends are designed to help breastfeeding mums maintain their energy and milk supply. Packed with essential nutrients, protein, and galactagogues, they make it easy to nourish your body while keeping up with your breastfeeding goals. Explore our range:






Your body is designed to adapt, so trust the process and know that supply regulation is a normal part of this transition.



Trust the Process

This transition isn’t about perfection— it’s about learning and exploration. Some days will be messy. Some foods will be rejected (and possibly thrown). But trust that your baby is following their own unique path. Keep breastfeeding as the foundation, introduce solids at their pace, and enjoy watching them discover new flavours and textures.

If you ever feel unsure, reaching out to a Lactation Consultant or Maternal Child Health Nurse can provide guidance tailored to your baby’s needs.

Breastfeeding and solids don’t have to compete— they work together to nourish your baby through this next stage of growth. You’ve got this.

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