Weaning your premature baby

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This information is about introducing your premature baby to more solid foods, and the steps you can follow as your baby moves from milk to eventually only eating solids. This is called weaning.

This information is also available as a PDF download at the bottom of this page.

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1. About our weaning guide

This page talks about what our weaning information covers and things to be aware of if your baby was born premature or sick.
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2. Getting started with weaning

Find out how you can tell if your baby is ready to start weaning, how you can begin weaning together, and how they should be sitting.
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3. What foods can my baby have while weaning?

Find out what foods to use first when weaning a premature baby, and how to introduce more foods. Make sure you talk to your health professional about any additional…
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4. Introducing textured foods

Find out more about baby-led weaning, managing lumpy food, finger foods, gagging and choking.
Image of a baby with a sippy cup.

5. What drinks can my baby have while weaning?

Find out how to continue with milk feeds and what other drinks you can offer you baby when weaning.
Cartoon of dad and baby eating together

6. Moving forwards with more weaning foods

Find out about moving fowards with healthy foods, allergies, family mealtimes and your baby's growth.
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7. Things to remember when weaning your baby

This page contains a quick summary of some of the key things to remember from our weaning information.

Download our weaning guide here

Click here to download a PDF booklet of this information.

PIF

The information in this section is due for review January 2026

Acknowledgements and review information