To start with, your baby only needs a small amount of solid food, once a day, at a time that suits foods that start with a both. You could also try baby rice mixed with your baby’s usual milk. Make sure any cooked food has cooled right down before offering it to your baby.

It’s important to introduce foods that can trigger allergic reactions one at a time, in very small amounts, so that you can spot any reaction. Read more about food allergies and what signs to look out for. Sign up for emails Get tips and advice on your baby’s development, parenting and more sent to your inbox. Babies shouldn’t eat salty foods as it isn’t good for their kidneys and sugar can cause tooth decay. Mash or blend soft ripe fruits to a suitable texture for your baby, or give them as finger foods.

Harder fruits will need to be cooked to soften them. Wash and remove any pips, stones and hard skin. These can be cooked, where necessary, and mashed or blended to a suitable texture for your baby or offered as finger foods. This food group includes meat, fish, eggs, beans and pulses and is suitable from around 6 months. As well as giving your baby protein, these foods contain other useful nutrients, such as iron and zinc, which are important for babies.

Eggs: Make sure you buy eggs stamped with the British Lion stamp mark. There have been improved food safety controls in recent years. If you have a severely weakened immune system or are on a medically supervised diet prescribed by health professionals, you should cook all eggs thoroughly. Read about the healthy way to eat eggs. Pasteurised dairy foods such as pasteurised full-fat yoghurt and cheese are suitable foods for your baby from around 6 months. Full-fat, unsweetened or plain yoghurts are a good choice because they don’t contain added sugars. 6 months old, but not as a drink until your baby is 12 months.

This helps them learn how to chew, move solid food around their mouth and swallow solid foods. Babies take different amounts of time to get used to lumps, but it’s an important skill they need to learn. Just keep offering them lumpy textures from around 6 to 7 months, and stay with them so you can be sure they are swallowing it safely. When your baby’s had enough, they’ll let you know by firmly closing their mouth or turning their head away. You can offer a range of small, finger-sized pieces of food. Some parents prefer baby-led weaning to spoon feeding, while others combine a bit of both.

Should I still give my baby breast milk or first infant formula? To begin with they will still be getting most of their energy and nutrients from breast milk or first infant formula. During meal times, offer your baby sips of water from an open or free-flow cup. Using an open cup, or a free-flow cup without a valve, will help your baby learn to sip and is better for your baby’s teeth. If your baby is younger than 6 months, it’s important to sterilise the water by boiling it first and then letting it cool right down. Cows’ milk is not a suitable drink until your baby is 12 months old, but it can be used in cooking or mixed with food from 6 months of age. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person’s head and shoulders.

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