Starting solids can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. You’ve prepped nutritious meals, offered them with love, and yet your bub spits everything out — again. It’s easy to feel frustrated or worried. Are they going to hate food forever? Are they getting enough to eat? The good news? Spitting food out is super normal, and often it’s nothing to worry about. Let's break down why it happens, when to keep calm, and when to seek help.
Why is Spitting Normal?
Spitting out food is part of your baby’s learning process. Eating solids is a brand-new skill, and just like learning to walk or talk, it takes practice. Spitting isn’t necessarily a sign that they dislike the food — it’s more about their body figuring out how to manage it.
Here are some motor skills your baby is developing during this phase:
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Moving their tongue to guide food around their mouth.
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Chewing by moving their jaw up and down.
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Pushing food to the back of their mouth to swallow.
Sometimes, they haven’t quite mastered these skills, and food comes back out. This is a normal part of the process! Think of it as them practising rather than rejecting food.
Why You Probably Don’t Need to Worry
It’s important to remember that your babies main source of nutrition for the first 12 months is still breastmilk or formula. The early months of starting solids are more about exposure, exploration, and learning.
Even if they seem to be spitting out most of the food, those small amounts they do swallow are likely enough for now.
Look at the bigger picture:
Ask yourself these questions:
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Is bub growing and developing well?
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Are they happy and thriving?
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Are they still drinking lots of milk?
If the answer is yes, you’re likely in the clear! Your baby is learning at their own pace, which is perfectly normal.
But My Friend’s Baby Eats So Much!
Ah, the comparison trap. It’s so easy to fall into it, especially when your friend’s baby seems to be eating full meals while yours spits everything out.
Here’s the truth: every baby is different. Some babies dive into solids and eat loads right from the start. Others take their sweet time and might spit out more than they swallow. Both are perfectly normal.
Focus on your baby's individual progress. Instead of comparing, look at the little wins:
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Did they try a new texture today?
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Did they seem curious about the food?
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Are they starting to keep more food in their mouth?
Celebrate those moments! They’re signs that your baby is learning and getting there at their own pace.
Think of two toddlers learning to walk. One might be running by 10 months, while the other prefers crawling for a bit longer. Both will get there eventually — and the same goes for eating.
When You Need to Worry
While spitting is normal for most babies, there are some cases where you might need to dig a little deeper. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s always worth checking in with your doctor.
Here are some signs that further investigation might be needed:
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Falling behind on growth charts. If your baby isn’t gaining weight or growing as expected, it’s a good idea to get them checked out.
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More tired or lethargic than usual. A baby who seems constantly low on energy may not be getting enough nutrition.
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Struggling with certain textures. If your baby consistently gags or refuses certain textures, it might be worth looking into.
Your doctor can check that everything is working as it should and provide guidance on next steps if needed.
How to Encourage More Swallowing (and Less Spitting)
If you want to help your baby keep more food in their mouth, there are some practical strategies to try. The key? Keep things positive and pressure-free. Eating should be fun, not stressful!
Here are some tips to help:
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Role model chewing and swallowing. Sit down with your baby and let them see you eat. Exaggerate your chewing and show them how you swallow. Babies learn by watching!
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Offer large, resistive foods to help them map their mouth. These foods encourage your baby to explore their mouth and strengthen their oral muscles:
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Watermelon rind (with the red flesh removed)
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Corn cob (with most of the corn shaved off)
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Well-cooked lamb chop
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Mango pit
These foods give your baby a chance to chew, gnaw, move their tongue around and figure out how their mouth works.
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Make mealtimes positive. Avoid showing frustration if they spit food out. Instead, smile and be encouraging. The goal is to create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.
Think of eating as a new game for your baby. If you were learning a new game and someone kept getting frustrated at you, it wouldn’t be much fun, right? Keep it light and playful.
If your baby is spitting out food, you’re not alone. It’s a completely normal part of the learning process. Remember, starting solids is more about the experience and exploration rather than immediate success. Keep offering a variety of foods, stay positive, and celebrate the small wins.
Trust that your baby will get there in their own time. And if you ever feel concerned, reach out to your doctor for reassurance.
Everything you Need for Starting Solids
Is your baby about to start solids? We have everything you need, to make life so much more convenient:
✅Veggie Puree Starter Pack (10 individual veggies)
✅Fruit Puree Packs
✅Salmon Puree
✅Beef Puree
✅Chicken Puree
✅Allergen Intro Packs (14 individual allergens)
✅Tree Nut Maintenance Meal Packs (all 9 tree nuts)
*Please note, our advice is general in nature and should not replace any advice provided to you by your health professional. Ensure your baby is over 4 months old and is showing signs of readiness before starting solids. If you have any concerns about your baby development or starting solids consult your GP or other health professional.*
