Recognising weaning signs
As your baby learns new skills such as rolling over and sitting up, they'll be using a lot more energy every day. With their growing appetite, it'll soon be time to start introducing them to the gentle tastes and textures of first weaning foods. Your baby will show definite signs that they're ready for more than milk. All babies develop at their own pace but knowing what to look out for will make it easier to provide the extra nourishment your baby needs, when they need it.
Key weaning signs
As well as demanding more milk feeds than usual, your baby will give you other signs that they're ready for more than milk. If you notice some or all of the following changes in their behaviour, it may be time to start weaning:
- Sucking their hands or putting other objects in their mouth
- Watching you eat and becoming more interested in your food
- Sitting upright without your help
If you think your baby is ready but they're only showing one or two of these weaning signs, it's best to check with your health visitor before offering solids. We're also here with expert advice about weaning, so feel free to get in touch.
Ready for weaning or a growth spurt?
Babies can often go through a growth spurt at around 4 months, leading to an increase in hunger. It's important not to confuse this with the real signs of weaning, as your baby's digestive system needs time to develop before it is ready to process solids. If it's a growth spurt, the increased hunger will only be temporary and your baby's appetite should return to normal relatively quickly.
If you're unsure whether your baby is ready for weaning or not, our team of feeding advisors are on hand to help you find the answers. Call us on 0800 996 1000 anytime. Or try our confidential instant messaging service, Live Chat available from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.
I give my baby 5 milk feeds a day he usually has between 4-6oz, but keeps sucking his fist he is 4months old, and i am starting to wean him but want to get into a routine and wanted to know when i should be feeding puree as at the moment the routine is -
4 June 2011 15:107.30am - milk feed
9.30am - baby porridge
11am - milk feed
2.00pm - milk feed
5pm - milk feed
7pm - milk feed
8pm - 1tsp fruit puree
9pm - milk feed then bed