When should weaning start?
It’s really important to remember that each baby is an individual and will not necessarily be ready to start weaning at exactly the same time as others
- In the UK and ROI, it is recommended that mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first 6 months (26 weeks) of life and that solids should then be introduced at 6 months
Why six months?
It is at this point that your baby is most likely to be developmentally ready to start solids.
What if my baby seems ready before then?
Some babies may be ready to start weaning slightly before this and you should consult your health visitor if you think that this may be the case with your baby. Weaning should not commence before the end of the fourth month (17 weeks).
Babies do go through growth spurts, where they demand more milk. If your baby is extra-hungry at 3 or 4 months, this is probably the case. Do talk to your health visitor for reassurance.
Signs that your baby is ready for weaning
Your baby will tell you when they are ready for weaning! Signs to look out for include:
- Your baby may seem unsatisfied after a full milk feed and cry or demand more
- You may find your baby starts to demand milk feeds more frequently
- If your baby had been sleeping through the night, you may find they start waking up to be fed again
- Daytime sleeping may also become disturbed, with your baby waking earlier or not settling down as easily
- Your baby may begin sucking and chewing their hands and toys
- They may start showing a real interest in food; following what you are eating with their eyes or even reaching out and trying to grab it!
