Starting solids: how to know when your baby is ready

When should babies start solids?

The WHO and NHS recommend starting solid foods at around 6 months, and the AAP recommends breast milk only for about the first 6 months. Breast milk or first infant formula stays the main drink throughout the first year.

What are the signs a baby is ready for solids?

The NHS lists three signs that together show readiness: your baby can stay sitting upright and hold their head steady, can coordinate eyes, hands and mouth to pick up food and put it in their mouth, and can swallow food rather than pushing it back out.

Is my baby ready for solids if they wake at night or chew their fists?

Not necessarily. The NHS says chewing fists, waking in the night and wanting extra milk feeds are often mistaken for signs of readiness, and starting solids will not make your baby more likely to sleep through the night.

How should I introduce allergenic foods?

The NHS says foods that can trigger allergies, such as egg, peanut (smooth nut butter, never whole nuts), fish, gluten and soya, can be introduced from around 6 months, one at a time and in small amounts, so you can spot any reaction. If there is a family history of allergies, talk to your GP or doctor first.