Baby Food Charts

5 Month Baby Food Chart: First Foods and Feeding Schedule

See exactly what to feed a 5-month-old, how much to offer, and when. Our 5-month baby food chart includes safe first foods, portion sizes, and a sample daily schedule.

By BabyFoodCharts Editorial TeamLast updated May 28, 2026

A five month old baby sitting supported, looking curiously at a spoon

At 5 months, most babies are not yet ready for solid foods, breast milk or formula still meets all of their nutritional needs. This page explains how to judge readiness and how to prepare, so you're ready to start confidently at the right time.

Should a 5 month old eat solids?

Leading pediatric guidance points to around 6 months as the time to introduce solids. At 5 months, a baby's digestive system and oral motor skills are often still developing. If your baby was born prematurely or has specific needs, your pediatrician may give you a different timeline.

5 month readiness checklist

Use this as a guide to what to look for over the coming weeks.

Signs of solid-food readiness to watch for around 5 to 6 months.
Readiness sign	What it looks like
Head control	Holds head steady and upright
Sitting	Sits with little or no support
Interest	Watches and reaches for your food
Tongue-thrust reflex	No longer automatically pushes food out

Signs of solid-food readiness to watch for around 5 to 6 months.

Preparing for first foods

This is a great time to get set up: a sturdy high chair, soft-tipped spoons, and a plan for which first foods to try. Smooth purees like avocado and banana are gentle starters once your baby is ready.

When your baby hits the readiness milestones, move on to a full feeding plan for the next stage.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start solids at 5 months?

Most major guidelines recommend waiting until around 6 months. Some babies who show clear readiness signs may start a little earlier, but only after discussing it with your pediatrician. Never start solids before 4 months.

What can a 5 month old eat?

If your pediatrician advises starting early, begin with a single smooth puree such as avocado or banana, offered in tiny amounts. Otherwise, breast milk or formula remains the only food a 5 month old needs.

BabyFoodCharts Editorial Team

Reviewed against current pediatric feeding guidance

Our editorial team researches and reviews every guide for accuracy and clarity. This content is educational and is not a substitute for advice from your own pediatrician.

Browse these topics

Charts6 Month Baby Food Chart: Best First Foods + Free PrintableYour complete guide to feeding a 6-month-old. Get safe first foods, how much to offer, a sample feeding schedule, and foods to avoid at 6 months. Free printable chart.Charts7 Month Baby Food Chart: New Textures and More VarietyReady to expand your 7-month-old's menu? Our complete 7-month baby food chart covers new foods to introduce, texture progression, portion sizes, and a sample daily schedule.Charts8 Month Baby Food Chart: Finger Foods and 3 Meals a DayYour 8-month-old is ready for finger foods and 3 meals a day. Get our complete chart with safe finger foods, portion sizes, meal ideas, and an easy daily feeding schedule.Charts9 Month Baby Food Chart: Self-Feeding and Family Food PrepSee what to feed a 9-month-old as they start self-feeding. Our complete 9-month baby food chart covers finger foods, soft table foods, portions, and a sample meal plan.Charts4 Month Baby Food Chart: Can Babies Start Solids at 4 Months?Wondering if your 4-month-old is ready for solid foods? Get our complete 4-month baby food guide covering readiness signs, safe first foods, and what the AAP recommends.NutritionIron-Rich Foods for Babies: Why Iron Matters and Best SourcesIron is critical for baby brain development from 6 months. Discover the best iron-rich foods for babies, how much iron they need, and tips to maximize absorption at every meal.SchedulesHow Often to Feed Baby: Feeding Frequency Guide by AgeNot sure how often to feed your baby? Our complete feeding frequency guide covers newborns to 12 months with formula amounts, breastfeeding frequency, and when to add solids.FoodsAvocado for Babies: When to Introduce and How to ServeAvocado is one of the best first foods for babies. Learn when to start (6 months), how to prepare it safely, portion sizes, and why its healthy fats support brain development.FoodsBanana for Babies: Benefits, When to Start and How to ServeBananas are a perfect first food for babies from 6 months. See how to mash, slice, and serve banana safely, plus portion sizes, nutrition facts, and recipe ideas.

Recently updated

FoodsPrunes for Babies: Natural Relief for Baby ConstipationPrunes are one of the best natural remedies for baby constipation. Learn when to introduce prune puree (4-6 months), how much to offer, and when to see a doctor.Schedules11 Month Feeding Schedule: Almost Ready for Toddler EatingYour 11-month-old is almost a toddler. Get our complete feeding schedule covering 3 meals, 2 snacks, formula or breast milk amounts, and how to prep for the 12-month transition.FoodsPeaches for Babies: Soft, Sweet and Easy to DigestPeaches make a wonderful first fruit for babies from 6 months. Get preparation tips, portion sizes, nutrition facts, and recipe ideas to help your baby love this juicy fruit.FoodsZucchini for Babies: Mild and Easy to Digest First VegetableZucchini is a mild, easy-to-digest first vegetable for babies from 6 months. Get simple steaming and pureeing instructions, plus fun finger food ideas for older babies.BLWBaby-Led Weaning Meal Ideas: 30 Easy BLW Recipes by AgeLooking for BLW meal inspiration? Get 30 easy baby-led weaning meal ideas organized by age with simple recipes, nutrient highlights, and safe preparation instructions.Charts11 Month Baby Food Chart: Preparing for the First BirthdayAlmost 1 year old! See what your 11-month-old can eat, how to transition toward family foods, and get our sample feeding schedule and first birthday food prep tips.

Note: BabyFoodCharts provides general educational information. It is not medical advice. Consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods, especially common allergens.