Starting solid foods and feeding guidance

When to start complementary feeding around 6 months

Complementary feeding (introducing solid foods) should begin when your baby is around 6 months old. At this stage, how much your baby eats matters less than helping them get used to new tastes and textures. Breast milk or first infant formula should still provide most of the energy and nutrients, with vitamin D supplementation needed for some breastfed babies. Waiting until around 6 months is recommended because milk continues to provide key nutrients until this age, breastfeeding (if used) can help protect against illness, and babies need time to develop the skills needed for solids—such as sitting with good head control, coordinating bringing food to the mouth, and swallowing rather than pushing food back out. If your baby was born prematurely, ask a health visitor or GP for individualized timing.

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Why wait until about 6 months

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