Starting Solid Foods (Weaning)
Weaning is an exciting stage in your baby’s development. It’s the process of introducing solid foods alongside breast milk or formula, helping your baby learn new tastes and textures while continuing to get the nutrition they need.
When should I start weaning?
Most babies are ready to start solids at around 6 months of age. Starting earlier is not usually recommended.
Your baby may be ready if they can:
- Sit up and hold their head steady
- Coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth (e.g. pick up food and bring it to their mouth)
- Swallow food rather than push it back out
How do I begin?
Start with small amounts of soft, mashed or pureed foods once a day, gradually increasing the variety and quantity over time.
Good first foods include:
- Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, sweet potato
- Fruits like apple, pear, banana
- Starchy foods like potato, rice or pasta
- Protein foods such as lentils, meat, fish, or well-cooked eggs
You can offer finger foods from the start if your baby prefers to feed themselves.
Important tips
- Always supervise your baby when eating
- Avoid adding salt or sugar to foods
- Introduce a variety of foods, including common allergens (e.g. peanuts, eggs) one at a time
- Avoid whole nuts and round foods like whole grapes due to choking risk
- Continue breast milk or formula as your baby’s main drink until age 1
Foods to avoid
- Honey (until 1 year old)
- Whole nuts
- Foods high in salt or sugar
- Unpasteurised cheeses or undercooked eggs
Drinks
From around 6 months, you can offer small amounts of water in a cup with meals. Avoid sugary drinks and fruit juices.
When to seek advice
Please contact us or your health visitor if:
- You’re unsure whether your baby is ready
- Your baby refuses most foods or struggles to swallow
- You have concerns about allergies or reactions to food
Support Websites
Weaning – Best Start in Life – NHS
Weaning | Stages of Baby Weaning | Ella’s Kitchen
