Childhood weaning
Weaning is introducing your baby to solid foods, this usually starts when your baby is around 6 months old. Your baby should be introduced to a varied diet, alongside their usual breast milk or first infant formula.
It can be confusing knowing when and how to start introducing solid foods the NHS can provide expert advice, helpful videos, tips from other parents, and lots of simple, healthy weaning recipe and meal ideas.
Top Tips
There are 3 clear signs, which when they appear together from around 6 months of age, show that your baby is ready for their first solid foods, alongside breast milk or first infant formula. The signs are that you baby can:
- Staying in a sitting position holding their head steady
- Coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so that they can look at their food, pick it up and put it in their mouth
- Swallow food, rather than spit I back out
If you are still unsure please speak to your child’s health visitor
Wye Valley Trust Health visiting team can advise on weaning. They run regular clinics with both booked and drop in appointments available.
National Support
NHS Healthy Start Scheme eligible families with a child under the age of 4 can get help to buy healthy food and milk.
First Steps Nutrition Trust provide information to help families with young children eat healthily.