Research shows that babies only need mum’s milk or infant formula for around the first 6 months of their life. This time gives a baby’s digestive system time to develop so that they can cope with solid foods. When a baby starts on solid foods it is their chance to explore all the wonderful and exciting tastes, textures and smells of the food they will learn to enjoy.
Weaning is the change in which a baby gradually moves from having breastmilk (or infant formula) towards having solid foods without this at all.
Learning to eat solid foods is a natural stage of development for babies and allows them to develop their natural instinct for eating according to their needs.
The first foods introduced in this transition stage are sometimes called complementary foods, as they should complement breastmilk (or infant formula) rather than replace it.
It can be confusing to know when and how to start introducing solids to your little one. Catch up with our Facebook Live video to get the low down on introducing solid foods alongside breastfeeding.
What are the signs?
There are 3 clear signs, which, when they appear together from around 6 months of age, show that your baby is ready for their first solid foods. They will be able to:
- stay in a sitting position, holding their head steady
- coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so they can look at their food, pick it up and put it in their mouth
- swallow food (rather than spit it back out)
The following behaviours can be mistaken for signs of being ready for solid foods:
- chewing fists
- wanting extra milk feeds
- waking up in the night (more than usual)
For more information on introducing solid food please visit www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaning/ or speak to your health visitor.
