Starting solids (weaning)

Is my baby ready for solid foods?

Most babies are ready to start solid foods at around 6 months of age. This is because their gut is more mature and they can:

• sit upright and hold their head steady

• pick up food and bring it to their mouth

• swallow food instead of pushing it out with their tongue

Extra support for vegetarian and vegan families

If your family follows a vegetarian or vegan diet, additional guidance is available to help you plan healthy meals for your child.

First Steps Nutrition Trust provides practical information and advice for vegetarian and vegan families.

Safety first

For safe mealtimes make sure you:

• stay with your child while they are eating

• make sure they are sitting upright

• offer foods suitable for their age and stage

• keep mealtimes calm and relaxed

• allow plenty of time for eating

Helpful tips for weaning

• Use a wipe-clean mat under the highchair, or a towel.

• Choose easy-to-clean clothes or bibs.

• Offer manageable portions.

• Focus on learning rather than cleanliness.

• Enjoy the memorable moments.

Learning through mess

Messy eating is part of learning. When children touch, squeeze, squish and explore food, they learn about:

• how food looks

• how food smells

• how food feels

• how food tastes

It also helps your infant to:

• explore different tastes and textures

• practise picking up food

• support development of  hand-to-mouth coordination

• learn how to put food into their mouth

• builds their confidence and independence

• learn about hunger and fullness cues

• decide how much food they would like to eat

• learn how to use a spoon if they would like to

Common weaning challenges

"My baby doesn't eat much"

This is normal.

• continue milk feeds

• keep offering food

• trust your child's appetite

Some days they may eat more, some days less. That's completely normal.

"My baby refuses new foods"

Keep trying.

• offer foods again another day

• let your baby see you eating them

• avoid pressure

It can take lots of opportunities before a baby accepts a new food.

"My baby throws food"

This is a normal part of learning.

• offer smaller amounts

• stay calm

• expect a little mess

Throwing, dropping and squashing food helps children learn about food and texture.

"My baby makes a mess"

• Let your baby explore safely.

• Use bibs and wipe-clean mats.

• Focus on fun rather than tidiness.

Messy play helps children learn and develop feeding skills.

Every baby learns differently

Some children take to solids quickly, others need a little more time.

• be patient

• keep offering

• keep enjoying family mealtimes

• celebrate every little step

Gagging vs choking

Gagging is normal:

• coughing

• spluttering

• watery eyes

Choking is an emergency:

• silent or unable to cry

• unable to cough

• difficulty breathing

• blue or pale skin

Call 999 immediately if you think your child is choking.

Healthy habits for happy mealtimes

• Eat together as a family.

• Offer a variety of foods.

• Let your child decide how much to eat.

• Stay relaxed about mess.

• Keep offering foods they initially refuse.

• Make mealtimes enjoyable and pressure-free.

Need more support?

• Fun First Foods from Public Health Scotland - practical guidance, recipes and tips for introducing solid foods.

• Weaning and First Foods from Parent Club Scotland - videos, advice and support on weaning, first foods and family mealtimes.

• Eating Well in the First Year from First Steps Nutrition Trust - expert guidance on introducing solids, healthy eating and special diets.

Local support

• your health visitor

• your family nurse

• your midwife

• your paediatric dietitian

• NHS Highland Infant Feeding Team