The most common mistake parents make with weaning is starting too early. Not out of neglect — out of a genuine belief that their hungry, wakeful, fist-chewing baby is ready. They are not reading the signs of readiness. They are reading the signs of being four months old.

When to Start

The NHS recommends starting solid foods at around 6 months. Not 4 months. Not when the baby seems hungry. Not when they stop sleeping through. Around 6 months.

The “4 months+” labelling on some baby rice products predates current UK guidance and should be ignored. Starting before 6 months increases the risk of choking, allergic reactions, and digestive problems because the gut is not mature enough to handle solid food safely.

Signs of Readiness — All Three Required

First: your baby can sit up with minimal support and hold their head steady. Second: your baby can look at food, pick it up, and bring it to their mouth independently. Third: your baby can swallow food rather than pushing it back out with their tongue.

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These Are Not Signs of Readiness

Waking at night after previously sleeping through. Chewing fists. Watching you eat. Seeming hungrier than usual. These are all normal developmental behaviours for a 4–5 month old — not indicators that solid food is needed.

First Foods

Start with single vegetables — cooked carrot, sweet potato, parsnip, broccoli. One new food at a time. Add fruit in weeks 3–4. Add protein in month 2 — soft-cooked chicken, fish, lentils, well-cooked eggs. Progress to lumpier textures gradually.

Allergen Introduction

Current NHS guidance recommends introducing allergens early — from around 6 months alongside other first foods. Do not delay. Early introduction reduces the risk of allergy developing. Introduce one new allergen at a time, at home, when your baby is well.

The 8 key allergens: cows' milk (in food) · eggs · peanuts · tree nuts · wheat/gluten · fish · shellfish · sesame.

Never Before 12 Months

Honey (risk of infant botulism — no exceptions) · Cow's milk as a main drink · Added salt · Added sugar · Whole nuts (choking hazard until age 5) · Rice drinks (arsenic content — FSA guidance)

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Weaning Checklist — Save This

Start at around 6 months — not before
All 3 readiness signs must be present
Single vegetables first · add fruit weeks 3–4
Introduce allergens early, one at a time
No honey before 12 months — no exceptions
No cow's milk as main drink before 12 months
No whole nuts before age 5

Sources

NHS Start4Life weaning guidance · SACN Complementary Feeding 2018 · Food Standards Agency (FSA) · Reviewed April 2026.

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For Educational Purposes Only

Baby Safety Lab Ltd (Company No. 884811, registered in Scotland) is a health education company, not a medical service. Always consult your GP, health visitor, or NHS 111. In an emergency call 999.

Weaning and Solids — When to Start and What to Introduce First