When & How to Start Weaning Your Baby

Weaning is a major milestone in your baby’s development—but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Whether you’re introducing solids or beginning the transition from breastfeeding or formula, the process can be gradual, gentle, and enjoyable for both of you.

The key is knowing when your baby is ready and how to tailor the weaning process to your child’s needs. Here’s everything you need to know to get started confidently.

1. When to Start Weaning

Perfect For: Babies around 6 months old

Most pediatricians and health organizations recommend starting solids at around 6 months. By this time, your baby’s digestive system is more developed, and they typically show signs of readiness like:

Sitting up with little support
Showing interest in food
Losing the tongue-thrust reflex
Coordinated chewing and swallowing

If you’re unsure whether your baby is ready, consult your pediatrician before beginning the process.

Helpful post: Is Baby-Led Weaning Safe? What Experts Say

2. Begin with Simple, Single-Ingredient Foods

Perfect For: Identifying allergies and supporting digestion

Start with iron-rich foods like pureed lentils, mashed avocado, sweet potato, or soft banana. Introduce one new food at a time and wait 3–5 days before trying another. This allows you to spot any potential allergic reactions.

As your baby adjusts, you can begin combining ingredients and exploring different textures.

3. Keep Milk Feeds Going (At First)

Perfect For: Ensuring your baby still gets key nutrients

Weaning doesn’t mean cutting out breastmilk or formula right away. In the beginning, solids are meant to complement not replace milk feeds. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding on demand while gradually increasing solid food portions.

Over time, your baby will naturally shift toward more solids and fewer milk feeds.

4. Offer Food at the Right Time

Perfect For: Creating positive associations with mealtime

Choose a time of day when your baby is calm, alert, and not too hungry or too full. Mid-morning or lunchtime often works well. Let your baby explore the food touching, tasting, even making a mess is part of the learning process.

Create a peaceful, distraction-free environment where your baby can focus on eating.

5. Progress Gradually Through Textures

Perfect For: Encouraging chewing and preventing picky eating

Start with smooth purees, then move to mashed foods, soft lumps, and finger foods as your baby grows. Introduce new textures slowly and follow your baby’s cues. This helps them develop chewing skills and builds confidence with food.

If your baby gags, don’t panic it’s normal and different from choking. Stay calm and give them time to adjust.

Helpful post: How to Make Baby Meal Prep Easy & Nutritious

Bonus Tip: Stay Consistent but Flexible

Offer solids regularly, even if your baby doesn’t eat much at first. The goal is exploration, not perfection. Some days your baby will be eager, and others they might refuse don’t force it. Keep mealtimes relaxed and pressure-free.

Final Thoughts

Starting the weaning journey is a beautiful step toward independence for your baby. With patience, a bit of planning, and trust in your baby’s pace, you’ll both adapt to this new chapter smoothly.

Looking for baby-safe utensils, feeding sets, and starter foods?
Explore the weaning collection at Kiddie Kloset and make mealtime a moment to look forward to.

When & How to Start Weaning Your Baby