As with most stages, this depends on your baby's individual needs. Current guidelines suggest the majority are ready at six months. Until then, nutritional needs are met with breast or formula milk. Signs your baby's ready for first foods include:

• Being able to sit up, but may need support.
• Trying to chew with or without teeth!
• Getting interested in what everyone else is eating.
• Still being hungry after milk, even though the volume and frequency have increased (monitor this).

If considering weaning earlier, wait until your baby's at least 17 weeks, and talk to your health visitor first.

Annette Maloney, health visitor.

By Annette Maloney, health visitor

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