When Is the Right Time to Start Weaning?
Current NHS guidance recommends waiting until your baby is around 6 months old before introducing solid foods. At this age, most babies have the physical development needed to handle food safely, including the ability to sit up with minimal support, hold their head steady, and coordinate eyes, hands, and mouth.
Some babies show readiness signs a little earlier, but it's generally advised not to start before 17 weeks (4 months). Signs of readiness include:
- Sitting up and holding their head steady
- Showing curiosity about food — watching you eat, reaching for food
- The ability to move food to the back of their mouth and swallow
Note: Waking at night, chewing fists, or wanting more milk are not reliable signs of readiness for solids.
First Foods: What to Offer
Early weaning is about exploring tastes and textures — milk (breast or formula) remains the primary source of nutrition at this stage. Good first foods include:
- Puréed or mashed vegetables: Sweet potato, carrot, parsnip, butternut squash
- Puréed or mashed fruit: Apple, pear, banana, avocado
- Baby rice or porridge mixed with breast milk or formula
- Soft finger foods (if using a baby-led weaning approach): Steamed broccoli, soft pear slices, toast strips
Puréed Weaning vs. Baby-Led Weaning
There are two main approaches to weaning, and many parents choose a combination of both:
| Approach | How It Works | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Puréed Weaning | Smooth purées offered by spoon, gradually thickening textures | Easy to track intake; good for hesitant eaters |
| Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) | Soft finger foods offered so baby self-feeds from the start | Encourages independence; exposes baby to textures early |
| Combined Approach | Mix of spoon-feeding and finger foods | Flexible; suits many family lifestyles |
Foods to Avoid in the First Year
Certain foods are not appropriate for babies under 12 months:
- Honey — risk of infant botulism
- Whole cow's milk as a drink — fine in cooking but not as a main drink until age 1
- Salt and sugar — babies' kidneys can't handle added salt; sugar sets unhealthy taste preferences
- Whole nuts — choking hazard; nut butters are fine in small amounts after 6 months (no allergy concerns)
- Shark, swordfish, or marlin — high mercury content
Managing Common Allergens
Current guidance encourages introducing common allergens (like eggs, peanuts, gluten, and dairy) early — from around 6 months — one at a time, watching for any reaction. Delaying allergen introduction is no longer recommended for most babies. If there is a family history of severe food allergies, speak with your GP before introducing high-allergen foods.
Practical Tips for Weaning Success
- Offer solids when your baby is alert and happy — not when they're tired or hungry.
- Start with one or two teaspoons and let them set the pace.
- Expect mess — it's part of the learning process!
- Don't pressure or rush; gagging is normal and different from choking.
- Keep offering rejected foods — it can take many exposures before a food is accepted.
Weaning is a journey, not a race. Follow your baby's lead, keep mealtimes relaxed and positive, and enjoy watching their world of flavours expand.