When to start weaning
Babies should start weaning sometime between 4 - 6 months, but not before. Here's how to work out the best time to start for your baby.
If you're feeding your baby purely breast milk, official* recommendations are to wait until 6 months before starting your baby on solids - in combination with breastfeeding, of course. Otherwise, starting between 4 - 6 months is advised, although check the signs below to make sure your baby is ready.
Starting your baby on solids, including baby rice or rusks before 4 months is not a good idea.
At this stage your baby's body is too delicate for anything more than breast or formula milks. Milk is also designed to provide everything young babies need in just the right balance, so adding foods too early can mean he gets a less nutritious diet overall.
Spotting the signs
Your baby has ways of letting you know that he is ready for solid food. In fact, you'll find them hard to ignore! Here are the most important ones to watch for in your 4 - 6 month old:
- You've increased your feeds, but your baby still isn't satisfied
- He becomes hungry shortly after a good milk feed
- He starts to wake during the night whereas previously he had been sleeping through
- He may also be sucking his fist or taking an interest in the food you are eating
Remember, there's no advantage for your baby to start spoon-feeding earlier than 4 months, so don't be tempted to rush it.
*Dept. of Health and Children. Breastfeeding is best for your baby as it provides your baby with major health and nutritional advantages.
Find out more about feeding your baby at this stage »
