Parents with a baby born early can find it difficult to know when they should start weaning their baby. This information will help you to decide when is a good time to start.

Babies who were born preterm may develop more slowly than babies who were born at full-term. They will usually sit at a later age, so this guide suggests when your baby might be ready to start weaning, taking this into consideration.

Parents may feel unsure about how their baby will manage weaning after such an unplanned or unexpected start to life. This guide aims to walk you through the process and make it as enjoyable as possible.

Many of the recommendations about weaning babies born preterm are the same as for babies born at term. There are national recommendations which are available on the NHS Start for Life website.

There are also some good meal ideas and information available from an independent website, First Steps Nutrition Trust: Eating well: the first year (PDF).

Throughout this section we will signpost you to links on both websites where this is helpful. 

My baby was born at term but sick – can this information help me?

We talk about weaning premature babies in this information. If your baby was born at term but sick, you might also have questions and worries about weaning your baby.

It is important that you always speak with your health professional for advice. Your baby’s care will be very specific to their condition, how well they are currently, and many other factors which must be taken into account.

However, a lot of the information here – in particular the signs your baby is ready to start weaning and how you can approach starting to wean – will also be relevant for babies born at term.

If you have any questions about weaning before you start, and would like specific advice tailored for you and your baby, do talk to your GP, dietitian, health visitor or consultant. This may be most relevant for babies born very prematurely.

The development of eating and drinking

All babies reach a stage when they are ready to try solid food alongside their milk. Your baby will gradually develop skills in holding and exploring the food they are offered. This includes touching, tasting and smelling it.

Over time, you will notice your baby gradually needing less support to sit and they will bring food and other objects to their mouth by themselves. Your baby will push food out less with their tongue and learn to bite and chew. Given the opportunity they will also learn to drink from a cup, beaker and straw.

Your baby will also learn to eat by watching you eat. Mealtimes are an excellent time for this as they are sociable and enjoyable. Eating together as a family helps you and your baby learn together about weaning.

1. About our weaning guide

What does our weaning guide cover?

Before you read on...

'Corrected age' and 'uncorrected age'

How can weaning be different with a premature baby?

My baby was born at term but sick – can this information help me?

The development of eating and drinking

Remember

Looking for something else in this section?

1. About our weaning guide

What does our weaning guide cover?

Before you read on...

'Corrected age' and 'uncorrected age'

How can weaning be different with a premature baby?

My baby was born at term but sick – can this information help me?

The development of eating and drinking

Remember

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