Prevention & life stages

Weaning Your Baby

Weaning — introducing solid foods alongside milk — usually starts at around 6 months, building up to a varied diet of family foods.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What it means

Weaning (introducing solids) is the gradual move from milk only to a range of solid foods. UK advice is to start at around 6 months, when babies show they are ready, while continuing breast or formula milk.

Why it matters

Introducing solids at the right time and in a varied way supports growth, development and the acceptance of different tastes and textures, and helps establish healthy eating habits.

Practical tips

How to make it work

  • Start at around 6 months, when your baby can sit up, hold their head steady and coordinate looking at, grabbing and mouthing food.
  • Begin with single vegetables and fruits, and a range of textures, moving from purées or soft finger foods to more lumpy and family foods.
  • Offer a wide variety of foods, including savoury flavours, to help your baby accept different tastes.
  • Introduce common allergens (such as egg, peanut, dairy and wheat) one at a time from around 6 months, unless advised otherwise.
  • Continue breast or formula milk alongside solids through the first year.
  • Let your baby feed themselves finger foods as they are able, and never leave them alone while eating.

Good to know. Avoid adding salt or sugar, honey (until 12 months), whole nuts (choking risk) and certain foods. If your baby has a known allergy, eczema or a strong family history of allergy, get advice before introducing allergens. Seek help urgently for any allergic reaction.

Answers

Weaning Your Baby: frequently asked questions

When should I start weaning my baby?

UK advice is to start introducing solids at around 6 months, when your baby can sit up and hold their head steady, coordinate hand and mouth, and swallow food. Milk continues alongside solids.

How do I introduce allergenic foods?

From around 6 months, introduce common allergens such as egg and smooth peanut one at a time, in small amounts, so any reaction can be spotted. Seek advice first if your baby has eczema or a family history of allergy.

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Education and reference only. This is general UK health guidance, not personal medical or dietitian advice. If you have a health condition or specific needs, check with your GP, pharmacist or a registered professional before making big changes.

Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — Live Well & Start for Life
  • UK Chief Medical Officers’ guidance
  • British Dietetic Association (BDA)

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