HOW TO KNOW THAT YOUR BABY IS READY FOR WEANING

SPOTTING THE SIGNS

If your baby is coming up for 6 months, you’re probably starting to think about weaning. But how do you know when to start weaning and that they’re truly ready? There are 3 key signs to look out for, which are all linked to your baby’s development:

1. A stable base

Can your baby sit up and hold their head steady? This is all about safety, as it minimises the risk of choking.

2. Good hand-eye coordination

Does your little one pick up toys and take them towards their mouth to explore? This skill is needed, whether you’re using baby-led weaning or traditional spoon weaning.

3. Absence of the tongue thrust reflex

Does your baby open their mouth readily when a clean weaning spoon is popped onto their bottom lip? If they push out their tongue instead, they may not be ready yet, as this is a protective action intended to stop them from choking and in order to eat it needs to have gone.

A fourth, non-visual sign of being ready for weaning relates to babies’ nutritional needs. After 6 months of age babies need more nutrients than breast milk and formula can provide, so they need to get this from food.

EVERY BABY IS UNIQUE

Most babies show all 3 key signs by 6 months, although some may be ready a little earlier. If they’re not showing all 3 signs of readiness, you should start weaning anyway but you can begin with purees and ask for support from your health visitor.

Or, if they’re displaying the signs sooner, please talk to your GP or health visitor to get the right advice for your baby. Always remember, however, that before 17 weeks of age a baby's digestive system isn’t mature enough to cope with anything except breast or formula milk.

KNOWING WHAT'S NOT A SIGN

Or, if they’re displaying the signs sooner, please talk to your GP or health visitor to get the right advice for your baby. Always remember, however, that before 17 weeks of age a baby's digestive system isn’t mature enough to cope with anything except breast or formula milk.

1. Still hungry after milk feeds

If they're having a growth spurt or a step forward in their development, your little one may demand feeds more often to fuel this.

2. Waking in the night

This can happen for many reasons: they might want a cuddle, have a wet nappy, or be looking for another feed. It's fine to offer milk feeds through the night when this happens.

3. Watching you eat and reaching for your food

Babies are naturally inquisitive and your little one will be taking in everything going on around them. Your food probably looks and smells nice, and because they want to copy you they’ll want to get in on the action! Do keep eating in front of your little one though, to help them know what to do when they’re ready.