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Why wait until 6 months to give your baby solid food

In the UK, it is recommended to wait until around 6 months of age before introducing solid foods to your baby. Before 6 months, your baby can get everything they need from breastmilk or correctly made infant formula. At around 6 months, many babies will be able to manage a range of pureed and mashed foods as well as being able to hold soft finger foods.

Every baby is different, but there are three clear signs which, together, show that a baby is ready for some solid foods alongside breastmilk or infant formula. It is very rare for these signs to appear together before 6 months of age.

Signs your baby is ready for solid foods (at around 6 months)

  1. Your baby can sit up well without support and hold their head steady
  2. Your baby can look at food, pick it up and put it in their mouth by themselves.
  3. Your baby can swallow food. Babies who are not ready will spit the food back out.

Choose a time when your baby is awake and alert to introduce their first tastes. If you decide to introduce solid foods before 6 months, all plates, bowls and cutlery will need to be sterilised before use. For more information, speak with your local health visitor or visit the following pages:

Complementary feeding (weaning) - BDA

Introducing Solids - Getting Started - YouTube.

Infants & new mums — First Steps Nutrition Trust

Parent Information Resources | Every Child (everychildwales.co.uk).