Some parents are religious about which foods belong in each stage, and there’s no real harm in sticking with those rules. Still, each baby is different in needs, preferences, and development. Some babies are ready for the complexities of Stage 3 foods at 6 months old, while others may need to stick with Stage 1 foods for most of the first year. While there are signs to help you decide your baby’s readiness for certain foods, you should always consult your pediatrician in order to make an informed choice. Input from your child’s doctor is particularly important for babies with pre-existing health conditions such as food allergies.