Around 6 months, your baby starts eyeing your toast. Here’s everything you need to know about starting solids — based on current NHS guidelines, not TikTok trends.
When to Start
NHS guidelines recommend introducing solid foods at around 6 months (26 weeks). Not before 4 months (17 weeks) under any circumstances. Between 4-6 months only on specific medical advice.
Signs of Readiness
All three of these should be present:
- Sit up and hold their head steady (with minimal support)
- Coordinate eyes, hands, and mouth — can look at food, grab it, and bring it to their mouth
- Swallow food rather than push it back out with their tongue (the tongue-thrust reflex should have faded)
Waking at night, chewing fists, and wanting extra milk are NOT signs of readiness — these are normal developmental behaviours.
First Foods
Good first foods include: soft cooked vegetables (broccoli, sweet potato, carrot), soft fruit (banana, avocado, mango), baby rice or porridge mixed with breast milk or formula. Offer one new food at a time and wait 2-3 days before introducing another, so you can spot any reactions.
Allergen Introduction
Current NHS guidance (confirmed 2026): introduce common allergens one at a time from around 6 months. These include: peanuts (as smooth peanut butter), eggs (well-cooked), cow’s milk (in cooking), wheat, soy, fish, and sesame. Early introduction is now recommended to reduce the risk of allergy, not increase it.
Baby-Led vs Traditional Weaning
Baby-led weaning (BLW): Baby feeds themselves finger foods from the start. No purées, no spoon-feeding. Encourages independence and self-regulation.
Traditional weaning: Start with smooth purées, gradually increasing texture over weeks and months.
Combination: Most families end up doing a mix. There’s no evidence that one approach is superior. Do what works for your family.
Foods to Avoid
- Honey (until 12 months — risk of botulism)
- Whole nuts (choking hazard until age 5 — use smooth nut butters instead)
- Added salt and sugar
- Shark, swordfish, marlin (high mercury)
- Raw or lightly cooked eggs unless British Lion stamped
- Low-fat or diet products
Track your baby’s development alongside weaning with our Baby Milestone Tracker — it covers month-by-month development including feeding stages.
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