Food beta
Getting ready
Draft for testing. Awaiting dietitian review; not medical advice.
Solids start around 6 months
Most babies are ready around 6 months, and never before 17 weeks. If your baby was born early, ask your doctor or health visitor when to start.
Ready when all three are true
She sits up holding her head steady, picks up food and brings it to her mouth, and swallows food instead of pushing it back out.
-
Sit and hold steady
Sits up holding her head steady.
-
Pick up and bring to mouth
Picks up food and brings it to her mouth.
-
Swallow food
Swallows instead of pushing food back out.
What isn't a sign
Chewing fists, waking more at night or wanting extra milk are normal at this age. They don't mean she's ready for food.
Milk stays her main food
Until 12 months, breast milk or formula gives her most of what she needs. First solids are about tasting and learning.
Sources
Draft for testing. Awaiting dietitian review; not medical advice.