Home > Your baby 4 - 6 months > Feeding your baby at 4 - 6 months
Things are about to get very interesting for your baby as they discover the delights of food! Up until now it’s been milk, milk and more milk. But at this stage it’s ok to introduce your little one to solids as well. Babies tend to prefer slightly sweet things, so puréed carrot or sweet potatoes are good foods to start with. If you’ve got any questions about feeding your baby, just give us a call.
Marilyn, baby feeding advisor and mum
Learn how to spot the signs, introduce those first mouthfuls and which tastes your baby will love (hopefully!).
4 - 6 months: how your baby's growing
Learn why growing out of clothes, drooling and teething are all signs your baby is developing well.
4 - 6 months: what your baby's doing
Stronger muscles make way for exciting new skills like pushing up, sitting, reaching and grasping.
4 - 6 months: what your baby's saying
Your baby is learning to copy your sounds! Learn why baby talk can help and listen out for that first little laugh.
4 - 6 months: what your baby's seeing
Learn how your baby's sight is developing and how it's changing their world.
4 - 6 months: your baby's bones
Learn how all that pushing up helps your baby's bones grow and develop.
4 - 6 months: your baby's brain
Learn how interactive colourful toys encourage a healthy brain and why good nutrition is extra important.
4 - 6 months: your baby's digestion
Learn how your baby's digestive system is preparing for the next exciting stage - solids!
Sterilising your feeding equipment
There are a number of ways to sterilise feeding equipment. We've got plenty of practical advice to share with you.
Once your baby reaches 4 – 6 months, you’ll be starting to think about preparing for weaning (government guidelines advise waiting until 6 months before weaning, and definitely not to wean your baby before 17 weeks).
Milk will make up the majority of your baby's diet for some time yet, but as they become more active solid foods will become an increasingly important part of their healthy, balanced diet.
To understand if your baby is ready for solid foods, check out our tips for signs that they’re ready for weaning
When you do start to wean, smooth purées, roughly the consistency of double cream, in gentle flavours are perfect for introducing your baby to solid food. Baby rice is an ideal first weaning food because you can make it with their usual milk for a familiar taste. This makes the transition easier and your baby will be more accepting of the unfamiliar feeling. To begin with, only try your baby with a teaspoonful or two a day to ease them in gently. Then build this up gradually with more feeds a day. A good tip is to try giving your baby carrots - they have a natural sweetness which babies love, helping them learn to enjoy vegetables right from the start.
You might also want to consider using a follow-on milk once they are 6 months or over, developed specially to complement your baby's weaning diet.
