When should I start weaning my baby?
Every baby is different, so how can you tell when your baby is ready to move on to solids? Discover the signs and the best time to start.
Until they are six months old, your baby will get all the
nourishment they need from milk. Current advice from the Department
of Health is to breast feed exclusively for six months. At this
point most babies will be ready to start taking solid food, but ask
your GP or healthcare professional for advice if your baby was born
prematurely.
Signs your baby is ready for weaning include:
- Showing an interest in what you are eating, or even reaching
out for the food on your plate
- Being less satisfied with milk, for example crying after a full
milk feed
- Demanding increased or more frequent feeds
- Waking up hungry in the night when they were previously
sleeping through.
Weaning before six months
All babies are different and develop at different rates. Your baby
may start to show signs they are ready for weaning earlier than six
months. If this is the case and you think your baby may be ready to
start solids, speak to your healthcare professional who will be
able to advise you. Babies under 17 weeks should not be given solid
foods.