Starting solid food

Most babies are ready to start solids at around 6 months old.

Weaning means giving your baby solid foods alongside breast milk or infant formula.

There are three signs that your baby may be ready:

• They can sit up well enough to swallow food safely.
• They can pick up food and bring it to their mouth.
• They can swallow food instead of pushing it back out with their tongue.

These signs usually appear at around 6 months.

Complete the ready or not weaning quiz

If your baby was born early, look for the same signs of readiness. Some babies may need a little longer before they are ready for solid foods.

Read more on getting started with weaning

UK Health Security Agency: Start 4 life weaning video

Signs that your baby is hungry

Look out for signs such as:

• opening their mouth for food
• reaching for food
• watching you eat

Signs your baby has had enough

• It is also important to look for signs that they have had enough food, such as:
  • turning their head away
  • closing their mouth
  • losing interest in food.

Some babies get used to solid foods quickly, while others take more time. Both are normal.

Find out more at weaning

Offer your baby a variety of foods so they can explore different tastes and textures.

Include plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Keep offering foods, even if your baby does not like them at first. Babies often need to try a food several times before they learn to enjoy it.

Remember that mealtimes are a chance to learn and explore.

It is normal for babies to make a mess while they are getting used to new foods.

• Find information on food to offer baby
• Find first foods and recipe ideas here Eating well in the first year

Keeping your baby safe

Starting solid foods is a big step. Many parents and carers have questions or worries.

This is normal, and confidence often grows as you and your baby learn together.

• Always make sure your baby is safely strapped into their highchair.
• Never leave your baby alone while they are eating or sitting in a highchair.
• Watch your baby closely when they are eating so that you can spot signs of choking.
• Check that food is not too hot before giving it to your baby.
  • If you heat food in a microwave, stir it well before serving to avoid hot spots.

Read up on choking and gagging on food

Find out what to look for and how to perform first aid

Foods to avoid

Note: Some foods are not suitable for babies.

• Avoid foods with added salt or sugar.
• Babies under 1 can not have honey due to the risk of infant botulism, this includes products containing honey such as some cereals.
• Foods that are a choking risk such as whole nuts.
• Small round foods such as grapes and cherry tomatoes must be chopped in to quarters lengthways to reduce the risk of choking.

For a full list of food to avoid, visit the foods to avoid giving babies and young children webpage

Remember

Every baby is different. Some babies will enjoy lots of foods straight away, while others may need more time.

Be patient, keep offering a range of healthy foods, and try to make mealtimes relaxed and enjoyable.

Healthy Start vouchers

You may be able to get Healthy Start if:

• you are more than 10 weeks pregnant
• you have a child under 4 years old
• your family’s monthly ‘take-home pay’ is  less than £408 from employment

Healthy Start can help you buy:

• Healthy Start vitamins
• fruit and vegetables
• milk
• infant formula (if needed)

Check if you’re eligible and apply on the NHS Healthy Start website: How to apply

Find out where you can collect Healthy Start vitamins by using the postcode searcher

Vitamins for babies

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D helps your baby build strong bones and teeth:
  • Breastfed babies need 8.5 to 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D every day
  • Formula-fed babies do not need extra vitamin D if they drink 500ml of formula a day.

You can buy vitamin D drops in supermarkets and pharmacies. Some families may get free Healthy Start vitamins.

Vitamins for children aged 6 months to 5 years

Children aged 6 months to 5 years should take a daily multivitamin containing vitamins A, C and D.

Vitamin A

• Helps the immune system, eyesight and keeps skin healthy. Found in, carrots, sweet potato, broccoli, spinach, and dairy foods.

Vitamin C

• Helps the body absorb iron and supports the immune system. Found in, broccoli, tomatoes, kiwi, strawberries and oranges.

Important information

Always check the label to make sure the vitamin is right for your child’s age

• The label will tell you the right age and how much to give.

Do not give more than the amount shown on the label

• The label tells you how much to give and how often to give it.
• If you are not sure about the right amount, ask your pharmacist before giving the vitamin.

Keep all vitamins out of reach and sight of children

• Store them in a safe place, such as a high cupboard or locked container.
• Vitamins can look like sweets, so children may try to eat them.

Gummy vitamins are usually for children aged 4 years and over

• They are not safe for babies and young children.
• This is because they can choke on them and may not be able to chew them properly.

For toddlers and older children, visit our eating well, vitamins and moving more page.

Healthier Together

Visit the NHS: Healthier families website

Find simple tips, recipes, vitamin guidance, meal ideas, and support to help children stay healthy as they grow.

NHS Best Start in Life: Vitamins

Read about the NHS advice on vitamins for babies and children

Leeds Community Healthcare

Visit the Leeds Community Healthcare nutrients page

This page gives you information on the key nutrients children need for healthy growth. It explains why these nutrients matter and where they come from.