Welcome to the World of Weaning
Your baby is about to take their very first bite, and what a milestone it is! Starting weaning, also known as introducing solid foods or complementary feeding, marks the beginning of a whole new chapter in your baby’s development. It’s exciting, sometimes a little messy, and often filled with questions. That’s exactly why we’re here, to help guide you every step of the way.
According to NHS guidance, weaning usually starts when your baby is around 6 months old. At this stage, most babies are developmentally ready to try solid foods alongside their usual breast milk or first infant formula. Before 6 months, your baby's nutritional needs are typically met through milk alone, and their digestive system is still maturing.
Introducing solids gives your baby a chance to explore new tastes, textures, and experiences at their own pace. And it’s not just about food, it's also about learning new skills like sitting up, picking up food, moving it to their mouth, and eventually chewing and swallowing. Some babies will take to it right away, others may take a little more time and both are completely normal.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the signs of readiness, the essentials to help you get started, and tips for making weaning a relaxed and enjoyable experience. From selecting the right highchair to stocking up on first cups and spoons, we’ve got all the advice and product know-how you need to feel confident and prepared.
Signs Your Baby Might Be Ready to Start Weaning
Lots of parents wonder exactly when to begin weaning, and with so much advice out there, it can get a bit overwhelming. NHS guidance is clear: weaning should start when your baby is around 6 months old. At this point, most babies are developmentally ready to start exploring solid foods, alongside their usual milk feeds.
Rather than going by age alone, there are three key signs to look for. If all of these appear together, it’s usually a good indication that your baby is ready to try their first tastes:
- They can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady
- They can coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth – for example, they’re able to look at food, pick it up, and bring it to their mouth
- They can swallow food – rather than pushing it back out with their tongue
It’s important to wait until these signs appear together. Some behaviours might seem like signs of readiness but aren’t on their own. For example:
- Chewing fists
- Wanting extra milk feeds
- Waking more often at night
These are all normal baby behaviours and don’t necessarily mean they’re ready for solids. Starting weaning too early won’t help babies sleep better and might lead to more mess and frustration than fun.
If your baby was born prematurely, it’s best to check with your health visitor or GP about when to begin weaning, as their needs may be slightly different.
What You Really Need to Get Started
When you're starting out with weaning, it’s tempting to stock up on all sorts of gadgets and gear. But the truth is, you only need a few well-chosen essentials to make things smoother for both you and your baby. Here’s what we recommend having on hand when your little one is ready to dive into the world of food.
A Supportive Highchair
A good highchair does more than just hold your baby in place, it helps them stay upright and secure while eating, which is important for safety and digestion. Look for a model with a wide, stable base, a footrest, and an adjustable tray. Easy-to-clean surfaces are a real plus when every meal involves a mess.
Mess-Friendly Bibs
Weaning and mess go hand in hand, so having a stash of bibs is essential. Long-sleeved bibs or those with built-in pockets to catch food can be real lifesavers. Opt for wipe-clean materials or something that can go straight into the wash after meals.
Baby Spoons Made for Tiny Mouths
Not all spoons are created equal. Weaning spoons are specially designed with small, soft tips that are gentle on gums. Look for options with easy-grip handles that help you feed your baby comfortably, or even better, allow them to have a go themselves.
Suction Plates That Stay Put
Suction plates can help avoid the frustration (and clean-up) of bowls and dishes being flung across the room. They stick firmly to highchair trays or tables and often come with divided sections to keep different foods separate. Fun colours and shapes can help keep babies engaged, too.
First Cups for Early Sips
Weaning is also the time to introduce your baby to drinking from a cup. Start with a small, soft-spouted cup or an open training cup. Spoutless options support natural drinking skills, while leak-proof designs can help reduce spills as your baby learns.
Handy Baby Food Storage Solutions
If you’re making homemade purées or prepping food in batches, storage is key. Freezer-safe containers with clear lids are great for keeping meals fresh and organised. Look for BPA-free options that are dishwasher-friendly for easy clean-up.
Tips for a Smooth First Weaning Experience
Weaning is as much about the experience as it is about the food. Creating a calm, positive environment where your baby feels safe and curious can make all the difference in how they respond to new tastes and textures. Here are a few simple but powerful tips to help you both enjoy this exciting stage:
Start slow and keep it simple
Begin with just one or two small spoonfuls once a day. Don’t worry if your baby spits most of it out or makes a mess, it’s all part of the learning process. The goal early on isn’t how much they eat, but getting used to the idea of food.
Let your baby lead the way
Follow your baby’s cues. If they seem eager, you can try offering a little more. If they turn their head or lose interest, it’s okay to pause and try again another time. Every baby goes at their own pace.
Explore different textures
There’s no need to stick with smooth purées for long. Many babies can handle mashed, lumpy, or soft finger foods from early on. Letting your baby experience a variety of textures helps them learn to chew and swallow.
Make mealtimes enjoyable
Try to eat together when you can. Babies love to watch and imitate, so seeing you eat can be encouraging. Talk to them during meals, smile, and keep things relaxed. The more positive the experience, the more curious they’ll be.
Establish a gentle routine
Offering food at roughly the same times each day can help your baby know what to expect. But don’t stress if things don’t go to plan, flexibility is key, especially when you’re just starting out.
Troubleshooting Common Weaning Wobbles
Even with the best preparation, weaning doesn’t always go smoothly and that’s completely normal. Every baby is different, and it’s okay if yours needs a little extra time or reassurance. Here are some common concerns parents have during weaning and how to gently manage them.
“My baby isn’t interested in food”
Some babies need more time to adjust to the idea of eating solids. If your baby turns their head, closes their mouth, or pushes food away, don’t worry. Take a break and try again later. Keep offering food without pressure, it’s about exploring, not forcing.
“They’re spitting everything out”
In the early days, it’s perfectly normal for babies to push food back out with their tongue. This is called the tongue-thrust reflex and fades as they practise swallowing. With time and patience, they’ll get the hang of it.
“Mealtimes are so messy!”
Yes, mess is part of the package! Use suction plates, wipeable bibs, and easy-clean surfaces to make clean-up less stressful. Try to see mess as part of the fun and learning process. It’s a sign that your baby is getting hands-on with food.
“How do I know if they’re eating enough?”
In the beginning, your baby will still be getting most of their nutrition from breast milk or formula. Solid foods are about discovery, not quantity. As their confidence grows, so will their appetite.
“Should I be worried if my baby was born early?”
If your baby was born prematurely, it’s best to speak with your health visitor or GP for tailored advice. They may be ready a little earlier or later, depending on their development.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Starting weaning is a big step for both you and your baby but it’s also the beginning of a joyful and sometimes messy adventure. From their first curious taste to their favourite foods, every bite is part of an exciting journey of discovery.
Remember, there’s no one “right” way to wean. Some babies prefer purées, others love finger foods, and most enjoy a mix of both. What matters most is creating a relaxed, positive environment where your baby feels safe and included.
Take it at your own pace, trust your instincts, and celebrate the small wins, like that first spoonful swallowed or the moment they try feeding themselves.
And whenever you need a helping hand, we’re here. From highchairs and bibs to spoons, cups and storage, our carefully curated range of weaning essentials is designed to support you through every stage.
You’ve got this, and we’ve got everything you need to help you enjoy the journey.
