How do I know my baby's ready?

The Department of Health recommends weaning should start from 6 months and certainly no sooner than 17 weeks, but all babies are different. Whenever it happens, we've got plenty of guidance on what signs to look for to indicate they're ready, and what to introduce as they develop. If you think your baby may be ready or you need help getting started, feel free to contact our team of experts.

Marilyn, baby feeding advisor and mum

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Is your baby ready?

As your baby becomes more active, they start to use lots more energy. Pushing their chest away from the floor, rolling over or practising sitting up all give them a bigger appetite. Which means it’ll soon be time to move onto more than milk, to provide them with the nutrients they need to develop.

Telltale weaning signs

After a full milk feed your baby cries or demands more
Your baby finds it harder to wait until the next feed, and becomes irritable or chews their hands
Where they've previously slept through the night, they now wake up for a feed.
Daytime sleep becomes more erratic too - not settling down or waking up early from naps
Your baby looks fascinated when you eat, and perhaps tries to reach for food you're holding

Could it be a growth spurt?

At 4 months, lots of babies go through a growth spurt which can make them seem a lot hungrier than usual. It’s important not to confuse this with the real signs of weaning though because their digestive system needs time to develop before you introduce solids, however puréed they are! Be patient and if it is a growth spurt, your baby’s appetite should go back to normal relatively quickly. Remember you can always speak to our team or ask your health visitor for advice.

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