Signs your baby is ready for weaning

Weaning is a major milestone in your baby’s development. It marks the exciting shift from a milk only diet to exploring a world of new tastes and textures. But knowing exactly when to start weaning can be tricky. Every baby develops at their own pace.

Starting too early may lead to digestive issues or choking risks, while delaying it could affect your baby’s acceptance of solid food later on. So, how do you know your baby is ready for weaning? Let’s explore the key signs.

What Is Weaning?

Weaning refers to the gradual process of introducing your baby to solid foods while still breastfeeding. It’s not about cutting milk out straight away, but slowly transitioning to a more varied diet that provides the nutrients needed for growth.

In the UK, the NHS recommends starting weaning at around six months of age. At this stage, most babies are physically ready and need more than milk alone to support their development.

Top Signs Your Baby Is Ready for Weaning

While age is a helpful guideline, the following signs are more reliable indicators that your baby is ready to try solid foods:

1. They Can Sit Up with Minimal Support

Your baby should be able to sit upright and hold their head steady. This helps with swallowing safely and reduces the risk of choking. Sitting with little or no support shows that their muscles are strong enough for the weaning process.

2. Good Hand Eye Coordination

Is your baby reaching out, grabbing toys, and bringing them to their mouth? This coordination is essential for self feeding. It shows they can manage food and utensils as they begin to explore eating more independently.

3. Loss of the Tongue Thrust Reflex

You may have noticed that when you offer your baby a spoon, they instinctively push it out with their tongue. This reflex is useful in the early months but starts to fade by six months. If your baby no longer pushes food out and instead moves it around their mouth, they may be ready for solids.

4. Increased Appetite and Curiosity

If your baby seems unsatisfied after milk feeds, wakes more often at night due to hunger, or shows interest in what you’re eating, it could be a sign they’re ready. They might even try to grab your food or watch intently as you eat.

5. Ability to Swallow Food

Early on, babies often spit out food because they haven’t developed the ability to swallow solids. If your baby now manages to swallow puréed food or soft solids without difficulty, it’s a good sign they’re ready for weaning.

Signs That Mean Your Baby Is Not Ready

Some behaviours can be misleading and are not reliable indicators of weaning readiness:

• Chewing fists – Babies explore with their mouths, but it doesn’t always signal hunger.
• Waking at night – Sleep disruption can occur for many reasons, not just hunger.
• Wanting more milk – Growth spurts can cause increased appetite; this doesn’t mean they need solids.
  

Introducing solids too early (before 17 weeks) can increase the risk of allergies and strain an immature digestive system.

Starting Weaning the Right Way

Once your baby shows all the readiness signs, start slowly and gently. Begin with single vegetables or fruits steamed and puréed or mashed. Let your baby explore the food with their hands, and don’t worry if they spit it out at first. It’s more about exploration than nutrition in the early stages.

You can gradually introduce more textures, flavours, and food types, including finger foods, once they’ve mastered the basics.

How to Prepare for the Weaning Journey

Weaning can be a messy but exciting experience, so getting organised beforehand will make things easier for both you and your baby. Here's a step by step guide to help you prepare:

Step 1: Choose the Right Time

Pick a time of day when your baby is well rested and not too hungry or too full. Mid morning or early afternoon often works best for first tastes, as both you and your baby are usually more relaxed.

Step 2: Gather Essential Equipment

Make sure you have:

• A supportive highchair that keeps your baby sitting upright.
  
• Soft tipped baby spoons like our Nuby Switch-It Spoons.
• Shallow plastic bowls or plates with suction bases.
• Wipeable bibs or feeding smocks.
• A messy mat or newspaper to protect your floor.
  

These basics will help make feeding time easier and less stressful.

Step 3: Create a Calm Environment

Minimise distractions such as loud noises or screens. Sit down with your baby and make eye contact this helps them focus on the new experience and feel reassured.

Step 4: Start with Small Portions

Offer just a teaspoon or two of puréed food. Don’t expect your baby to eat much at first the goal is to introduce new tastes and textures, not replace milk feeds.

Step 5: Be Patient and Responsive

Watch your baby’s cues. If they turn their head, push food away, or seem disinterested, don’t force it. Stay calm and try again another day. Some babies take longer to adapt than others, and that’s perfectly normal.

Also read: Tips to make your baby’s cot the comfiest sleep spot

Conclusion

Weaning is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your baby to the joys of eating. By watching for signs of readiness like sitting up, swallowing food, and showing interest, you can begin the journey at the right time. Every baby is different, so trust your instincts and follow your baby’s lead.

Remember, weaning isn’t about rushing to replace milk feeds; it’s about gradually expanding your baby’s diet to include healthy, nourishing foods. With patience and encouragement, your little one will soon be enjoying a wide variety of flavours and textures.

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