Weaning your baby is one of those big parenting milestones that can feel exciting, emotional, and a little intimidating, often all at once. If you’ve just Googled “how to start weaning” between diaper changes and laundry loads, take a deep breath. This stage isn’t a single moment, it’s a gradual journey that unfolds in steps, and every baby finds their rhythm in their own time.
Typically, weaning starts at around six months old. It marks the shift from milk-only feeds (breast or formula) to introducing solid foods. The goal? To support your baby’s nutritional needs and help them explore a whole new world of flavors and textures.
So, if you’re wondering how to start weaning, here’s your friendly, practical guide to help make mealtimes easier and a lot more fun.
When Should You Start Weaning?
According to AAP weaning advice, most babies are ready to start weaning around six months. This is when milk alone may no longer provide all the nutrients your baby needs, particularly iron.
However, every baby is different. Some may be ready a little earlier or later, but the key is looking for signs of readiness (which we’ll cover next). Remember, even once solids begin, breast milk or formula remains a crucial source of nutrition, especially in the early stages.
Signs Your Baby Is Ready to Wean
Wondering how to know if your baby is ready for solids? Look out for these key signs of readiness:
- Can sit up and hold head steady: Your baby should have good neck strength and be able to sit upright with support.
- Hand-to-mouth coordination: If they can grab objects and bring them to their mouth, that’s a positive sign.
- Swallows food, rather than pushing it out: Early on, babies use their tongue to push things out. Readiness for solids means this reflex starts to fade.
It's worth noting that teething, increased appetite, or waking more at night aren't necessarily signs a baby is ready for weaning.
What Foods to Start With
When it comes to first weaning foods, the focus should be on nutrition and simplicity. Start with iron-rich vegetables like broccoli, peas, sweet potato, or spinach, and offer them as smooth purees or well-mashed foods. Introduce single ingredients one at a time so you can spot any signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop feeding that food immediately and seek medical advice. You can find more detailed guidance on food allergies in babies here.
Avoid foods with added salt or sugar, honey (before age 1), cow's milk as a drink, whole nuts, and other choking hazards. For a helpful overview of the best foods to start weaning, the AAP first foods guide is a great place to start.
How to Introduce Solid Foods
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to give baby solids step by step:
- Start by offering solid foods once a day, when your baby is alert and not too hungry or tired.
- Offer solids after a milk feed, so your baby isn’t ravenous.
- Start with soft textures like smooth purees, then slowly build up to mashed and finger foods.
- Let your baby explore food with their hands – messy is part of the learning.
- You can combine spoon feeding and baby-led weaning, depending on what suits your family.
How Much Should Your Baby Eat When Starting?
In the beginning, weaning is all about exploration, not consumption.
- Start with 1–2 teaspoons of food once a day.
- Gradually increase as your baby shows interest.
- Don’t worry if they eat very little at first, milk still provides most of their nutrition.
There’s no exact rule for weaning portion sizes - some babies will eat more, others less. Try not to worry too much about whether your baby is eating too much or too little. Continue to follow their hunger and fullness cues, and remember that milk (breast or formula) is still their main source of nutrition for now.
Final Tips for a Smooth Weaning Journey
- Go at your baby's pace…there's no rush.
- Let your baby play with food to build familiarity.
- Embrace mess (and maybe a few funny faces).
- Offer a wide range of tastes and textures.
- If you're unsure, speak with your health visitor or GP.
And remember: mealtimes aren’t just about food. They’re about discovery, bonding, and supporting your baby's growing independence. With the right mindset, and the right baby cutlery, you’re ready to make weaning a little less messy, and a lot more magical.
Common Weaning Questions (FAQ)
What if my baby refuses solid food?
That’s okay! Keep offering food regularly without pressure. It can take multiple tries before a baby accepts new tastes.
Can I mix breast milk or formula into food?
Yes, mixing milk into purees can make them more familiar and easier to swallow.
Is baby-led weaning better than spoon feeding?
Not necessarily. Both have benefits. Many families use a mix of both approaches.
How many times a day should I feed solids?
Start with once a day, increasing to two, then three meals as your baby gets used to it.
What are the choking risks when weaning?
Avoid hard, round foods like whole grapes and nuts. Always supervise your baby while eating.