Is My Baby Ready to Start Weaning?

Quick answer: Most babies are ready to start weaning at around six months old. The three key baby weaning signs to look for are: the ability to sit up with minimal support and hold their head steady, hand-eye-mouth coordination, and the ability to move food to the back of their mouth and swallow it. Some common baby behaviours, like fist chewing and night waking, are often mistaken for signs of weaning but are usually unrelated. 

What age should I start weaning my baby? 

The NHS recommends introducing solid foods at around six months, though every baby is different, so it is always worth checking with your doctor or health visitor if you are unsure. 

Waiting until around six months gives your baby time to develop the physical skills they need to eat safely. It also gives their digestive system time to mature, as introducing solids too early can increase the risk of infections and allergies (NHS). Until then, breastmilk or formula provides everything your baby needs. 

The Three Signs Your Baby Is Ready to Start Weaning 

They can sit up with minimal support and hold their head steady 

Sitting upright is important for safe eating and swallowing. If your baby cannot yet maintain a sitting position or hold their head steady, they are not ready for solid food. 

They can coordinate their hands, eyes, and mouth 

A baby who is ready for weaning can look at food, reach for it, and bring it towards their mouth in a reasonably coordinated way. This hand-eye-mouth coordination is also the foundation for self-feeding, which becomes increasingly important as weaning progresses. 

They can move food to the back of their mouth and swallow it 

Very young babies have a tongue-thrust reflex, which causes them to push anything placed in their mouths back out. This reflex gradually fades as they develop. To check whether it has gone, you can try the spoon test: gently touch a soft baby spoon dipped in milk to their lips. If their tongue pushes it away, they may need a little more time. If they open their mouth and let the spoon rest on their gums, that is a sign of readiness. 

Some babies learn to swallow quickly; others take a little longer. In the early stages, some gagging is normal as your baby gets used to managing food. 

Signs that are often mistaken for weaning readiness 

Some normal baby behaviours are regularly interpreted as signs that solid food is needed, when they are usually something else. 

Waking more at night 

Night waking is one of the most common reasons parents consider starting weaning earlier than recommended. In most cases, increased night waking in younger babies is linked to developmental changes or growth spurts rather than a need for solid food. Introducing solids before your baby is ready is unlikely to improve their sleep. 

Chewing fists 

Babies discover their hands at around three to four months and spend time exploring them with their mouths. This is normal developmental behaviour and is not a sign of hunger. 

Seeming unsatisfied after milk feeds 

Going through phases of feeding more frequently is very normal, particularly during growth spurts, which tend to happen at around three weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months. 

How to start weaning? 

Once your baby shows all three signs of readiness, you can begin with small amounts of smooth, single-ingredient purees or soft mashed foods, offered once a day when your baby is alert and content, rather than tired or very hungry. 

Do not worry if your baby takes very little at first, or seems more interested in playing with the spoon than eating from it. Weaning is a gradual process and mealtimes should feel relaxed and low-pressure for both of you. 

FAQs 

What age should I start weaning my baby? 

The NHS recommends starting weaning at around six months. 

Can I start weaning at four months? 

Current NHS guidance advises against introducing solid foods before 17 weeks. Starting too early can put unnecessary strain on your baby's developing digestive system and kidneys. If you are concerned about your baby's appetite or weight gain, speak to your health visitor before making any changes. 

What are the best first foods for weaning? 

Good first foods include smooth purees of sweet potato, carrot, parsnip, butternut squash, apple, and pear. Single-ingredient purees are ideal at first, as they help you identify any reactions and help your baby get used to individual flavours before you start combining them. 

Should I stop milk feeds when I start weaning? 

No. Milk remains your baby's primary source of nutrition throughout the early stages of weaning. Solid food is introduced alongside milk feeds, not instead of them. As your baby's intake of solid food gradually increases over the coming months, their milk feeds will naturally reduce.