Signs they're ready to try solids

Weaning is an exciting developmental milestone, but it can be hard to know where to begin. As experts in early life nutrition, we understand exactly what your baby needs to nourish them at every stage. It’s reassuring to know that every spoonful of our unique nutritionally tailored range of baby cereals is inspired by 40 years of research. 

The Department of Health recommends you wait until your baby is 6 months old before weaning.

Signs they are ready to start weaning:

1. Sitting up independently

Can they sit easily in a highchair with their back supported?

2. Holding head upright

Can they hold their head steady and move it from side to side?

3. Coordinating hands, eyes and mouth

Can they grasp objects, like teethers, and put them into their mouth?

4. Interested in your food

Do they avidly watch you eat, or try to take food from your plate?

5. Able to swallow food

Babies who aren’t yet ready to wean will push their food back out.

6. Still hungry after a milk feed

This could be a sign – or they might be growing.

Is it just a growth spurt?

Your baby should be showing most of these signs before you start to introduce solid foods. Increased appetite alone doesn’t necessarily mean your baby is ready.

Learn more about the signs of weaning.