Start Solids with
Pure Joy.
The most intuitive free alternative to Solid Starts. 700+ dietitian-vetted recipes with step-by-step guidance, BLW planning, and calm guidance for every stage.
What is the best free alternative to the Solid Starts app?
DearBaby Solid Start is the top-rated free alternative to subscription-based baby food apps. It offers 700+ dietitian-approved recipes with step-by-step guidance, a unique BLW lunchbox builder, and comprehensive allergen guidance without paywalls or subscriptions. It perfectly complements the MomAI Agent ecosystem for a holistic parenting experience.
Key Numbers
Action Items
- 1Download DearBaby Solid Start on the App Store
- 2Filter recipes by development stage (6m+, 9m+, 12m+)
- 3Save favorites to custom collections for easy planning
Authoritative Sources
Important: This information is for reference only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance.
Crafted for Calm Kitchens.
Evidence-based doesn't have to be overwhelming. Solid Start provides clear, actionable steps for a stress-free transition to table foods.
Recipes by Stage
Purées, mashed, soft pieces, and beginner finger foods with step-by-step guidance.
Lunchbox Builder
Drag in a main, veg, fruit, and dairy/alt to make a balanced box fast.
Favorites & Collections
One-tap to save. Organize by month... or texture stage.
Doneness Cues
Step-by-step guidance with softness cues and suggested cut sizes.
700+ recipes with step-by-step guidance.
Every recipe comes with detailed visual instructions, ingredient photos, and preparation steps. No guesswork—just clear, actionable guidance for confident cooking.
Visual Step Guides
See exactly how to prepare each ingredient with clear photos at every stage.
Ingredient Measurements
Precise amounts for perfect textures every time—from single servings to batch prep.
Safety Cues
Built-in doneness indicators and cut-size recommendations for BLW safety.
700+ Recipes
And growing weekly with new additions
Recipes that evolve with them.
Whether you're starting with smooth purées or jumping into Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), our library scales with your baby's motor skills.
Stage 1: The First Bites
Silky smooth purées focusing on single ingredients and iron intake.
Stage 2: Texture Exploration
Thicker mashes and soft combination foods to build chewing strength.
Stage 3: Table Transitions
Finger foods and family-style meals cut safely for tiny hands.
Your favorites, instantly organized.
Meal times are hectic enough. Solid Start keeps your baby's most-loved recipes just a tap away with custom collections.
Smart Likes
Instantly save the winners and build your baby's unique food profile.
Lunchbox Lab
Group recipes into balanced daily boxes for daycare or home.
Build balanced lunchboxes instantly.
Our unique lunchbox builder lets you drag and drop recipes into a protein, vegetable, fruit, and grain slot. Perfect for daycare prep or daily meal planning at home.
Drag & Drop Builder
Build balanced meals by category—protein, vegetables, fruits, and grains.
Daycare Ready
Save and share your favorite combinations for quick weekly planning.
Pro Tip: Mix and match from your saved favorites to create variety while ensuring balanced nutrition every day.
Evidence-First Feeding Protocols.
Directly pulled from our RAG knowledge base, verified against CDC and AAP clinical guidelines for 2025.
Top First Finger Foods
Best First Purees
Dietitian TipFocus on iron-rich foods (beef, beans, fortified cereal) early on to support rapid brain development at 6+ months.
The Solid Start Knowledge Hub.
Direct answers to the most frequent caregiver concerns.
Is DearBaby Solid Start truly free?
Yes, 100% free forever. No subscriptions, no locked recipes, and no in-app purchases. It's our contribution to the MomAI Agent mission of democratizing expert parenting guidance.
How does it compare to Solid Starts?
While Solid Starts is a great resource, DearBaby offers many of the same features—100+ recipes, stage-by-stage guidance, and allergen info—entirely for free. We also include a unique Lunchbox Builder and direct integration with MomAI Agent's clinical RAG database.
Are the recipes approved by experts?
Every recipe and preparation guide is vetted against CDC, AAP, and WHO guidelines by our editorial team. We focus on nutrient density, safe textures, and age-appropriate portions.
Part of the MomAI Agent Ecosystem
Solid Start is powered by the same evidence-based RAG engine that fuels MomAI Agent. Our apps work together to provide a seamless, safe journey from pregnancy through early childhood.
Explore the full ecosystem →Weekly Weaning Wisdom
Join 18,000+ parents getting evidence-based feeding prompts and stage-appropriate recipes every Tuesday.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Feed with Confidence.
Join thousands of families starting their baby's food journey with joy, safety, and expert-vetted guidance.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While we curate information from official health guidelines (CDC, AAP, Health Canada), individual circumstances vary.
⚠️ Important:
- •Always consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods, especially if your child has a history of allergies, medical conditions, or special dietary needs.
- •Every child is different. Readiness for foods varies by individual development, not just age.
- •In emergencies, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.