Starting solid food

Follow your baby’s lead when starting weaning

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.

Try to 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

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.

Keeping your baby safe

• 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

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.