Weaning is an exciting milestone in a baby’s development, introducing them to new tastes, textures, and essential nutrients. Every baby’s journey is unique, but these top weaning tips can help to make the process smoother and support positive eating habits right from the start.

• Start with vegetables
  Vegetables are the ideal first weaning foods, particularly bitter or savoury vegetables such as broccoli, avocado, cauliflower, spinach, and courgette. Offering these early helps babies develop a preference for vegetables and other savoury flavours from the start.
• Gradually move from 1 to 2 then 3 meals a day
  Begin with one meal a day, gradually progressing to two and then three meals as the baby adapts to solid foods. Follow each baby’s lead, increasing meal frequency as they show readiness and appetite for more solid baby food.
• Progress with textures
  Introducing a variety of textures at the appropriate stages supports oral motor development and chewing skills. Progress should be guided by each baby’s developmental readiness. As a guide…
  • 6-7 months – Smooth, thick purées & soft finger foods
  • 7-9 months – Mashed foods with soft lumps & more finger foods
  • 10-12 months – Chopped family foods & self-feeding
• Prioritise iron-rich foods
  A baby’s iron stores drop at around 6 months which is why weaning is an important time to include iron rich foods in the diet such as:
  • Lentils, beans & pulses
  • Meats
  • Fish
  • Eggs

Pairing these with vitamin C-rich foods (e.g. any fruit or vegetable) helps improve iron absorption.

• Create a positive mealtime environment
  A calm and relaxed atmosphere at mealtimes can help babies feel comfortable and can encourage them to explore new foods. Try:
  • Proving a supportive seating position with a 90o angle at the hip, knee and ankle. A footrest helps
  • Sitting and eating with the baby to model positive eating behaviours
  • Avoiding pressure – Offer a range of suitable foods but allow babies to decide how much to eat
  • Staying calm - smile, make eye contact, and engage with babies to create an enjoyable experience
• Follow baby’s appetite cues
  There are no evidence-based portion size guidelines for weaning - babies will eat different amounts each day depending on their needs. It is important to observe and respond to their hunger and fullness cues:
  • Signs of hunger – Opening mouth, reaching for food
  • Signs of fullness – Turning head away, closing mouth, pushing food away
  • Be careful not to pressure a baby to finish meals – Allowing them to regulate their own intake helps foster a positive relationship with food
• Continue to offer milk feeds on demand between meals
  Breast milk or formula remains a key source of nutrition alongside solid foods. Babies will naturally reduce their milk intake as they eat more solids, it’s best to follow baby’s lead and avoid rushing the transition. Think of milk feeds as important snacks in between meals. Babies don’t need food-based snacks during weaning - milk is the perfect top up of energy and nutrients between meals.
• Enjoy exploring finger foods
  Regardless of whether babies are being spoon-fed or following baby-led weaning, offering finger foods is a good way to encourage chewing, self-feeding and independence. Suitable options include:
  • Soft-cooked vegetables (skins removed)
  • Ripe fruit fingers (skin and pips/seeds)
  • Lightly toasted bread with toppings such as cream cheese, mashed avocado, or banana

Remember to cut finger foods into large finger-sized pieces that babies can hold using their palmar (fist) grip and bring to their mouths.

• Introduce a cup for drinking
  Introducing a free-flow cup with fresh tap water at mealtimes helps to prepare babies for the transition from bottles at around 12months. They may only take small sips initially, but regular exposure to cups supports their development and oral motor skills.
• Remember, food rejection is normal!
  It is common for babies to refuse new foods initially. If a baby rejects a food, don’t worry, simply reintroduce it on another occasion without pressuring them to try. Weaning is a huge learning curve for babies, and they need time to get familiar with new tastes and textures.

For a detailed step-by-step weaning guide, refer to our weaning fact sheets here.