Moving to complementary feeding (weaning) is one of the most-asked questions of the first year. The right timing and approach matter for both nutrition and the development of eating skills.
This content is educational. Ask your pediatrician about your baby's start time, allergy risk and any special circumstances.
When to start
WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, then continuing breastfeeding while introducing safe complementary foods at around 6 months. Starting too early (before 4 months) can carry digestion and allergy risks; starting too late can lead to iron and energy gaps.
Signs of readiness
Developmental readiness matters as much as the calendar:
- Can sit upright with support and control their head.
- Shows interest in objects brought to the mouth.
- Tongue-thrust reflex has faded (doesn't push the spoon out).
- Reaches for and shows interest in food.
First foods and texture
Start with single, plain foods and add a new one every few days. Begin with purée, then move to mashed and soft finger foods. Iron-rich foods (meat, egg, legumes, iron-fortified cereals) matter early, because a baby's iron stores decline after 6 months.
Avoid: honey (botulism risk before age 1), added sugar and salt, and choking-hazard pieces (whole grapes, nuts).
Introducing allergens
The current approach is to introduce common allergens such as egg and peanut without delay, one at a time, during the weaning window. For babies with a strong family history of allergy or with eczema, consult the pediatrician first.
A practical starter plan
- Weeks 1–2: One meal a day, a few spoons of a single-food purée.
- Weeks 3–4: Add new foods, include iron-rich options.
- Months 2–3: Increase the number of meals and texture variety; add finger foods.
- Throughout, breast milk/formula remains the main fluid source.
Responsive feeding
Let the baby's hunger and fullness cues decide how much they eat. A calm, interactive approach that allows some mess supports a healthy eating relationship. Tracking growth with regular percentile monitoring is the best feedback on whether feeding is adequate.