Weaning means introducing a variety of solid foods gradually to your baby’s diet, alongside their usual milk, until they are eating the same healthy foods as the rest of the family.
When can I begin to introduce solids?
You can begin to introduce solids when your baby:
- can sit up
- begins to pick up food and puts it in his/her mouth
- has better hand-eye coordination
Health experts now recommend that babies should start eating solid foods from around the age of six months, when they show signs of being ready. Choose a time of day when you and your baby are relaxed. There is no right way, just the way that suits you and your baby.
If your baby was premature, ask your GP or health visitor for advice on when to start weaning.
Never leave your baby alone while eating in case they choke.
To reduce the risk of choking:
- remove any stones or pips before serving
- chop small fruits and vegetables, like cherry tomatoes and grapes, into four equal pieces
- cut large fruits into slices rather than chunks.
For good oral health around weaning, remember these two pointers:
- No sugar or salt in any form should be added to weaning foods.
- Make your own, home-made weaning foods, as you can make sure that they are lower in sugar.
Fun first food for starting solids
Experiment with different foods to see what your baby will eat. Try these suggestions for first foods:
- Cooked vegetables – broccoli, carrot, parsnip, turnip or cauliflower.
- Mashed fruit – banana, apple or pear.
- Baby rice or other cereal mixed with their usual milk (expressed breast milk or formula) mixed in a bowl, not in a bottle.
Start with a few teaspoons of well-mashed food for one meal a day. Gradually increase the amount.
Be guided by your baby’s appetite, this may be a few teaspoons or a quarter of a cup. Allow your little ones to feed themselves and offer them a range of foods and textures.
View Parent Club – Weaning & first foods and Fun First Foods leaflets for more information about feeding your baby during weaning.