When To Start Weaning & Signs Your Baby Is Ready

What age to start weaning your baby?

It’s best to start weaning at around 6 months old. Once your little one gets to this age, your baby will start needing solid foods alongside their milk, (which is why weaning is often known as ‘complementary feeding’) to help teach them how to move food round their mouth, chew and swallow

Signs your baby is ready for weaning

There are usually 3 signs of weaning that show your baby is ready to move on and try solid food. But don’t worry if it takes your little learner longer. It’s important to trust your instincts and tune into your little one as they’ll let you know when they are ready!

1. Coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth
2. Can stay in a sitting position, holding their head steady
3. Swallow food (rather than spit it back out)

Why you shouldn't wean your baby before 6 months

For the first 6 months of your little one’s life the Department of Health and World Health Organisation recommend feeding your baby just breast milk or formula as this will provide them with enough energy and all the nutrients they need for growing and developing. For more info on why weaning babies at 6 months is recommended, visit the NHS website.

Signs your baby is ready for weaning

There are usually 3 signs of weaning that show your baby is ready to move on and try solid food. But don’t worry if it takes your little learner longer. It’s important to trust your instincts and tune into your little one as they’ll let you know when they are ready!

1. Coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth
2. Can stay in a sitting position, holding their head steady
3. Swallow food (rather than spit it back out)

A baby sitting on a high chair and eating

The best time to start weaning

Solid food will feel strange at first, start slowly and simply with one small teaspoon and try including our finger foods if starting baby led weaning. Do this each day until your baby is looking for more.

Over the next couple of weeks gradually increase the amount you are giving, whilst continuing with milk feeds and slowly introducing new flavours.

After two or three weeks of starting weaning, try a second ‘meal’ in the day, followed by a third. We have lots of recipes you can try along with ideas on introducing new tastes and textures.

Our weaning guides

When you are ready to start weaning your baby, take a look at our weaning schedules to help you start your weaning journey. For more inspiration on which foods to try and which to avoid, read our guide on the best weaning foods next.