Look for readiness signs around 5-6 months: Drooling frequently (requiring bibs), showing interest in watching people eat, curious about solid foods and reaching for them, putting toys, fingers, and other items in mouth to bite and suck, starting to sit upright with some support, weakening gag reflex (some gagging with fingers/toys is normal and helpful). Introduce solids by 6 months as children are more likely to become picky eaters if solids aren't introduced early enough.