Can I wean by baby early?
One of the most common questions I get asked by parents is: “Can I wean my baby early?”
It’s a great question - and an important one. Starting solid foods is an exciting milestone, but the timing matters for your baby’s safety, development, and long-term relationship with food.
In this blog post, I’ll explain why around six months is usually the right time to start weaning, when early weaning might be appropriate, and what to consider if you’re unsure.
What is weaning?
Weaning is the gradual introduction of solid foods alongside breast milk or formula. Milk remains your baby’s main source of nutrition during the first year, but solids help with:
Developing oral motor skills (chewing, moving food around the mouth)
Supporting iron intake as natural iron stores begin to fall
Introducing new tastes, textures, and experiences with food
Why around six months is usually the right time
Most babies are developmentally ready for solid foods at around six months. There are three key reasons for this.
1. Gut readiness
By around six months, a baby’s digestive system is more mature. This means:
They are better able to digest and absorb nutrients from solid foods
Their gut lining is more developed, which may reduce the risk of food sensitivities and infections
Their immune system has had more time to mature
Introducing solids too early (before around 4 months) may increase the risk of tummy upset, constipation, and feeding difficulties.
2. Postural and motor readiness
Safe eating requires good posture. By around six months, many babies can:
Sit upright with minimal support
Hold their head steady and upright
Bring objects to their mouth and explore with their hands
These skills are essential for safe swallowing and reducing choking risk. If a baby cannot sit with good head and trunk control, they may be more likely to gag or struggle with textures.
3. Signs of interest in food
Babies often show behavioural signs that they are ready to explore food. These can include:
Watching others eat with interest
Reaching for food or grabbing utensils
Opening their mouth when food is offered
Increased mouthing of toys and hands
Interest alone is not enough to start solids early, but it is an important piece of the readiness puzzle.
When might early weaning be appropriate?
In most cases, waiting until around six months is the safest and simplest approach. However, there are some medical situations where earlier weaning may be recommended.
For example, I have supported babies with specific medical conditions where early weaning was advised to support growth or manage symptoms. In these situations:
The decision was made by a paediatrician and dietitian
Feeding was closely monitored
Textures and amounts were carefully planned to ensure safety and nutrition
Early weaning should always be medically supervised. It is not something I recommend trying on your own based on social media, family advice, or your baby seeming “very hungry”.
Common reasons parents consider early weaning (and what to know)
“My baby seems hungry all the time”
This is very common, especially around growth spurts. Increased milk feeding, frequent waking, or fussiness does not automatically mean a baby is ready for solids.
“My baby is big for their age”
Size alone does not determine readiness. A large baby may still have an immature gut or poor postural control.
“My baby watches me eat”
This is a lovely sign of interest, but it should be combined with good posture and age-appropriate gut maturity.
Risks of weaning too early
Starting solids too early can sometimes lead to:
Increased choking risk due to poor head and trunk control
Digestive discomfort, constipation, or reflux symptoms
Reduced milk intake, which can impact nutrition
Negative early feeding experiences that affect long-term eating
So, can you wean your baby early?
For most babies, waiting until around six months is the safest and most developmentally appropriate choice.
Early weaning may be appropriate in certain medical situations, but only with guidance from a paediatrician, dietitian, and a feeding specialist such as a speech and language therapist.
If you’re unsure about your baby’s readiness, a personalised assessment can help you feel confident and supported in your decision.
If you’d like support with weaning
If you’re feeling unsure about when or how to start solids, you’re not alone. Every baby is different, and personalised guidance can make weaning feel calmer and more enjoyable.
You can get in touch to book a feeding consultation or explore my resources for parents who want evidence-based, pressure-free feeding advice.
This blog post is for general information and does not replace individual medical advice. Always speak to your healthcare professional if your baby has medical or feeding concerns.