The weaning question generates more conflicting advice than almost any other parenting topic. Here's what NHS guidance actually says.
When to start
NHS guidance recommends starting to introduce solid foods at around 6 months - not before 4 months (17 weeks). Before 6 months, breast milk or formula provides everything your baby needs. Starting too early can increase the risk of infections and allergies because the gut isn't mature enough.
The "around 6 months" wording is deliberate - some babies are ready a little before, some a little after. Watch for signs of readiness rather than counting days.
Signs your baby is ready
All three of these signs together suggest readiness: they can sit up and hold their head steady; they can coordinate their eyes, hands, and mouth to look at food, pick it up, and put it in their mouth; they can swallow food rather than pushing it back out with their tongue.
Waking at night more than usual, chewing fists, or wanting extra milk feeds are NOT reliable signs of readiness for solids - these are normal developmental behaviours that happen regardless of hunger.
First foods
Start with single vegetables and fruits - things like broccoli, carrot, sweet potato, banana, avocado. Soft cooked sticks for baby-led, or smooth purees for spoon-fed - both approaches work, and most families end up using a combination. What matters is variety and exposure, not method.
Introduce new foods one at a time, waiting 2-3 days between each, so you can spot any reactions. Offer foods multiple times even if initially rejected - research suggests it can take 10-15 exposures before a baby accepts a new flavour.
Allergen introduction
Current NHS guidance recommends introducing common allergens (peanut, egg, milk, wheat, soy, fish, sesame) one at a time from around 6 months. Early introduction - not avoidance - is now the evidence-based approach. Give a small amount and wait a few days before trying the next. If your baby has severe eczema or a known allergy, speak to your GP before introducing allergens.
Foods to avoid
Under 12 months: no honey (botulism risk), no whole nuts (choking), no added salt or sugar, no low-fat products, no shark or marlin (mercury), no raw shellfish. Cow's milk can be used in cooking from 6 months but shouldn't replace breast milk or formula as a main drink until 12 months.