How to tell if your baby is ready for weaning

Is your tot ready for the first taste of solids? Look out for these tell-tale signs

Weaning is a big step in your baby's life and it's one that needs to take place at the right time. Too early and her immune system isn't mature enough but too late and milk alone will fall short in giving her enough nutrients, particularly iron.

When to start weaning?

The guidelines on when to wean have changed over time. In recent years, the Department of Health has recommended that you start weaning at 6 months, as at this stage, your baby's immune system, digestion and muscle control are all developing well. New research has suggested that it may be healthier to start weaning some babies from four months, but so far, the Government still advises starting at 6 months.

Some babies develop and mature more quickly and may be ready to start weaning earlier than 6 months. If you feel your baby is ready at an earlier stage (but no earlier than 4 months) talk it through with your health visitor or GP. If your baby was born prematurely you may need to check with your health visitor as to the right time to start, as you may need to start a little later.

It's not a race, even if everyone else's baby seems to have got there first. It's much better to wait until your baby is ready (but don't start later than 6 months).

Signs that your baby is ready to wean

  • She has good neck control and can hold her head up
  • She sits well when supported. She may not be quite ready to sit in a high chair but she must be able to keep in an upright position when held by you on your lap
  • She's gaining weight well. One sign to look for is when she's doubled her birth weight, which usually occurs around six months
  • She's started making chewing motions. Your baby will need to be able to move food from the front to the back of her mouth and then swallow it
  • She watches you eat and looks like she'd like to have some of your food - she may even try to grab it off your plate!
  • She must be over four months old but no older than six months to start
  • She may seem hungrier and feel unsatisfied after a full milk feed. However, this may also be a sign of a growing spurt
  • She may start suddenly waking up again in the night (having previously been a sound sleeper) demanding a feed
  • She doesn't need teeth to start weaning!