Weaning Guide: Starting Solids With Confidence

"I'm fairly confident I'm doing the weaning right. But fairly confident isn't the same as actually knowing."

Who it's for — parents starting solids who are broadly following the advice but want to know what actually matters versus what is noise.

The problem — weaning advice arrives from everyone at once and rarely explains its reasoning, so you end up doing things without knowing why or whether they matter.

What's inside — readiness signals, textures and progression, portions, allergen introduction and the iron question, in plain language.

The transformation — from fairly confident to actually knowing, and being able to ignore advice that does not apply to you.

The readiness signals that matter

Most health bodies, including the AAP and NHS, advise starting solids at around six months alongside continued milk feeds. Readiness is judged by the baby, not the calendar:

• Sitting upright with support and holding their head steady
• Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex that pushes food back out
• Bringing objects to the mouth with reasonable coordination
• Genuine interest in food rather than interest in you

Age alone is the weakest signal of the four. A baby who turns six months without the others is not behind.

Baby-led weaning or purées?

The evidence does not strongly favour either for nutrition or long-term eating habits, and most families end up using both. What matters considerably more is texture progression over time, timing of allergen introduction, and iron intake from around six months, when a baby's own stores begin to run down.

Who this guide is not for

It is not a recipe book — there are hundreds of those and they are not the hard part. It is also not a substitute for specialist input if your baby has a diagnosed allergy, reflux, a swallowing difficulty, or weight gain concerns.

Format and delivery

• Format: PDF, fully designed
• Delivery: instant download link by email at checkout
• Devices: any phone, tablet, laptop or e-reader
• Printing: prints cleanly on A4 and US Letter

Frequently asked questions

When should allergens be introduced?
Current guidance in most countries favours early and regular introduction rather than delay, usually from around six months. If there is a family history of food allergy or your baby has eczema, discuss the plan with your paediatrician first.

How much should a baby eat at first?
Very little, and that is expected. Milk remains the main source of nutrition through the first year. Early solids are about skill and exposure more than calories.

What if my baby gags?
Gagging is a normal protective reflex and is not choking. The guide explains how to tell them apart, which is the single most useful thing to learn before you start.

How do I receive it?
Instantly by email after checkout.

Related guides

See all baby feeding and weaning guides, or the Baby Gut Health Guide for how first foods shape the microbiome. Browse everything in parenting guides.

Educational only, and not a substitute for advice from your paediatrician, health visitor or a registered dietitian. Discuss allergen introduction with a clinician if there is any family history of food allergy.