Advice and resources : Introducing solid foods

Overview

All your baby needs for the first six months of their life is breast milk or first infant formula.  After this, solid foods can be introduced, but the most important food is still breast milk or first infant formula as these milks provide your baby with all the nutrients they need. 

It’s best to wait until your baby is at least six months old before introducing solid foods. This allows their gut to mature so they can process solids. They’ll also be able to feed themselves more easily so there will be less mess. 

Follow-on or growing-up milks aren’t needed by your baby at any stage in their development. 

When to start solids

Your baby will usually be ready to start taking solid food at around six months. Before starting solids and weaning there will be signs that your baby is ready.

Every baby is an individual and will be ready at different stages. Your baby will show you when they are ready. Try not to focus too much on how old they are, but instead look at the signs your baby is showing. 

Your baby will be ready to enjoy solid food if they are able to show a few of the following signs.

• They can sit unsupported and hold their head steady without wobbling, leaning, or falling.
• They watch you eating and show an interest.
• They reach and hold things.
• Their hand-to-mouth coordination is good enough so they can bring things to their mouth to explore (for example, fingers, muslins, clothing, and teething toys).
• They are able to swallow food (if they’re not ready, they’ll push the food out with their tongue).

The following are NOT signs that your baby is ready to start solid foods.

• They seem hungry.
• They are waking at night when they normally sleep through.
• Their weight gain is slowing down.
• They watch you eat.
• Other babies the same age as them are starting to eat solids.

Feeding tips

• Always stay with your baby while eating to ensure that they do not choke.
• Offer a variety of finger foods for them to hold and touch.
• Allow your baby to feed themselves and let them enjoy making a mess.
• Don’t force them to eat. Just try again later if they are not keen.
• If offering hot food, make sure it’s cool enough to avoid burns.
• Stop when they show signs that they have had enough such as turning their head away or firmly closing their mouth.
• Give lots of praise and make it fun.
• Don’t add salt, sugar, or stock cubes to the food or cooking water.
• Do not give honey to children under one year.
• Whole cow’s milk can be used in cooking from six months.

Don't worry about how much they eat at first, they will still be getting enough nutrients from their milk.

Start by offering a small amount of food such as some soft or mashed root vegetables once a day before their milk. Build up to three meals a day when your baby is around eight to nine months.

Gradually reduce the milk that you offer so that they can consume enough solids. You can offer tap water for them to drink with their meal.

By 12 months your baby should be eating three meals a day and can have whole cow’s milk and water to drink. 

Breast milk can continue for as long as you and your baby want it, even after 12 months. After 12 months, infant formula is no longer needed and they can have whole cow's milk as a drink.

When to ask for help

If you are having concerns get support as early as possible to get off to a good start. Talk to a member of your Health Visiting Service for further advice and support.

You could also read our advice page about looking after your 6-9 month old baby:

• Find advice for looking after your 6-9 month old baby: Find out more

External support

Best Start in Life (NHS UK)

The Best Start in Life pages on the NHS UK website include information about what weaning is, when your baby might be ready, and how to start.

• Visit the NHS UK website

Bliss

Bliss offers a wide range of free services and advice for the families of premature and sick babies, including weaning.

• Visit the Bliss website

CBeebies Parenting (BBC)

Find advice on how to get your fussy toddler to eat.

• Visit the BBC website

NHS UK

More advice about weaning and moving on to solid foods can be found on the NHS UK website. Topics covered include foods to avoid giving babies and young children and meal ideas.

• Visit the NHS UK website

Guides