Nurture Your Baby’s Weaning Journey with Expert Support
Weaning is a significant milestone in your baby’s development. At Childhealthy, we understand that introducing solid foods can raise many questions and concerns for parents. Our expert guidance on weaning babies provides reassurance and practical advice, ensuring your child transitions smoothly from milk to solids.
Whether you are unsure about when to start, what foods to introduce, or how to manage allergies and fussy eating, our paediatricians in London offer personalised support tailored to your baby’s needs.
What Is Weaning?
Weaning is the gradual process of introducing solid foods alongside breast or formula milk. It marks an important step in your baby’s growth and development, helping them learn how to eat, explore new tastes, and build feeding skills.
There are two main approaches to weaning:
Traditional weaning, where parents begin with spoon-fed purées and slowly progress to lumpier textures and finger foods.
Baby-led weaning, where babies are encouraged to self-feed soft, safe finger foods from the start.
At Childhealthy, we recognise that no single method works for every family. Our paediatricians offer advice tailored to your preferences and your baby’s individual development.
Explore more in our guide: Starting Your Baby on Solids: A Guide for New Parents or find out more about weaning from the NHS.
Signs Your Baby May Be Ready to Wean
Most babies are ready to begin weaning around six months of age. However, readiness is based on developmental signs rather than age alone. Look for the following signs:
- Sits upright with support and has good head and neck control
- Shows interest in food, such as watching others eat or reaching for food
- Opens their mouth when offered a spoon
- Picks up food and brings it to their mouth
- Has lost the tongue-thrust reflex that pushes food out of the mouth
If you’re unsure whether your baby is ready, our paediatricians can help assess and guide you through the next steps.
Choosing a Weaning Approach: Traditional vs. Baby-Led
There are two main approaches to introducing solid foods: traditional weaning and baby-led weaning. Both methods can support your baby’s development and nutritional needs.
Traditional weaning typically starts with smooth puréed foods, offered on a spoon. As your baby becomes more confident, the textures progress to mashed and then soft finger foods.
Baby-led weaning encourages babies to feed themselves from the beginning, using soft, graspable foods they can explore at their own pace. This approach supports self-feeding skills and may help babies become more comfortable with a variety of textures.
Many families find that a combination of both methods works best. At Childhealthy, we tailor our guidance to your baby’s needs and your family’s preferences, helping you choose an approach that feels right for you.
What to Expect From Your Consultation
Our weaning consultations are designed to give you practical, expert-led advice tailored to your baby’s stage and feeding needs. You'll receive support and guidance from a Childhealthy paediatrician during a personalised appointment.
Your consultation can include:
- A review of your baby’s growth, feeding history, and development
- Advice on when and how to start introducing solid foods
- Support in choosing the right weaning method for your baby
- Guidance on suitable first foods and how to progress with textures
- Help with introducing allergens safely and confidently
- Strategies for managing fussy eating or feeding concerns
- Ongoing support if needed for allergy testing or further review
Appointments are available in person at our London clinics or via video consultation. Our team is here to help you feel confident, informed, and supported during this important stage.
Common Weaning Concerns We Can Help With
Starting solids often comes with a number of questions. Many parents come to us unsure about when to begin, how to balance milk and food, or which weaning method is best for their baby.
We also support families facing challenges such as food refusal, texture sensitivity, gagging, or concerns about allergies. Whatever your concern, our team offers calm, expert guidance to help you navigate each stage with clarity and confidence.
When to Seek Extra Support
While most babies adapt well to weaning, some may benefit from additional guidance. You may wish to book a consultation if:
- Your baby is not gaining weight as expected
- There are signs of food intolerance or allergy
- Feeding sessions are consistently stressful or difficult
- Your baby refuses solids or struggles with certain textures
- You have specific concerns about choking or gagging
Early support can help ease stress and ensure your baby develops healthy feeding habits in a safe, reassuring environment.
Book a Baby Weaning Consultation
If you’re preparing to start your baby’s weaning journey — or facing challenges along the way — we’re here to help. Our paediatricians offer clear, individualised support to guide your child through this important stage of growth.
Book your consultation today at one of our London clinics or through a virtual appointment. With expert guidance on baby weaning in London, Childhealthy is here to support your family every step of the way.
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