Best weaning resources

What you should read before starting

Created: 20/07/2025 14:57 GMT

We have compiled a comprehensive list of the best evidence-based information for introducing solid foods to your baby from six months onwards, based on UK guidance so you don't have to!

Websites

• NHS

  • Start for Life - Contains the basic information about weaning. Contains digestible videos (excuse the pun), excellent recipes. It also provides loads of information and guides.
  • Weaning and feeding - Contains 11 topics about how to start with solid foods and topics such as allergies and drinks. It also addresses topics, such as how to address fussy eaters. Information is concise which might require you to look further for more information.

• British Nutrition Foundation

  Nutrition for Baby - It contains an article called "Introducing solid foods to your baby", that I would call the best summary of weaning and introduction to solid foods. The article has a "what, when and how" approach and contains readable paragraphs with examples of foods that you should feed your baby to provide certain nutrients. Recommend reading the entire article.

• NCT

  Feeding your baby or toddler - Website with multiple posts from breastfeeding to babies first solids. Includes more information, with topics such as weaning for premature babies

Books

• Weaning: What to Feed, When to Feed, and How to Feed Your Baby, by Annabel Karmel - This book is a classic from MBE awarded Annabel Karmel who wrote a number of books on child nutrition. This book provides a wealth of recipes and practical advice. The author believes that giving some purées will help your baby weaning journey.
• Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide to Introducing Solid Foods, by Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett - This book is the original guide to baby-led weaning, a popular approach where babies feed themselves from the start. Contrary to the previous book, this book doesn't contain any purées, since baby-led weaning is all about letting your baby feed himself.

Key UK Weaning Principles (from 6 months)

Signs of Readiness: Look for your baby being able to sit up with support, having good head and neck control, and showing an interest in food.

First Foods: Start with single vegetables and fruits. It's often recommended to begin with more bitter flavours like broccoli and green beans before sweeter ones like carrot and sweet potato.

Texture Progression: Move from smooth purées to mashed, lumpy, and then finger foods as your baby becomes more confident.

Baby-Led Weaning: This approach involves offering your baby soft, graspable finger foods from the start and allowing them to feed themselves.

Foods to Avoid:

• Salt: Do not add salt to your baby's food.
• Sugar: Avoid sugary snacks and drinks.
• Honey: Honey should not be given to babies under one-year-old.
• Whole Nuts: These are a choking hazard for children under five.
• Certain Cheeses: Avoid soft, mould-ripened cheeses and unpasteurised cheeses.
• Raw and lightly cooked eggs: Unless they have the British Lion stamp.
• Allergens: Introduce common allergens (like peanuts, eggs, gluten, and fish) one at a time in small amounts from around six months.
• Milk: Continue with breast milk or first infant formula as their main drink until they are one year old. Cow's milk can be used in cooking from six months but not as a main drink.