What Are the Four Stages of Weaning?

Introducing your baby to solid foods is an exciting milestone. Watching them explore new tastes, textures and flavours is not only fun—it also plays an important role in their growth and development.

Many parents wonder where to start, what foods to offer, and how quickly to introduce new textures. While every baby develops at their own pace, weaning generally follows four key stages.

In Scotland, health professionals recommend beginning weaning at around 6 months of age, when babies are developmentally ready for solid foods alongside their usual breast milk or infant formula.

Stage 1: First Tastes (Around 6 Months)

This stage is all about introducing your baby to the idea of eating.

Offer small amounts of soft foods once a day, allowing your baby to explore at their own pace.

Good first foods include:

• Mashed or puréed vegetables such as carrots, broccoli or sweet potato.
• Soft fruits like banana, pear or avocado.
• Smooth porridge made with your baby’s usual milk.
• Plain full-fat yoghurt (after 6 months).

At this stage, babies may only eat a few spoonfuls – and that’s completely normal. Milk remains their main source of nutrition.

Many families also choose baby-led weaning, allowing babies to feed themselves with soft finger foods. Both spoon-feeding and baby-led weaning can support healthy development, and many parents use a combination of the two.

Stage 2: Exploring New Textures (Around 7–9 Months)

As your baby’s confidence grows, gradually introduce lumpier textures and a wider variety of foods.

This is an ideal time to offer:

• Soft cooked vegetables.
• Scrambled eggs.
• Pasta and rice.
• Lentils and beans.
• Soft fruit pieces.
• Flaked fish (with bones removed).
• Shredded chicken.

Offering a variety of flavours early can help children become more adventurous eaters as they grow.

Stage 3: Family Foods (Around 9–12 Months)

By now, many babies are enjoying three meals a day alongside milk feeds.

They can begin eating many of the same healthy foods as the rest of the family, provided they are prepared safely.

Foods can include:

• Homemade casseroles.
• Soft vegetables.
• Pasta dishes.
• Rice meals.
• Mild curries.
• Oats and cereals.
• Soft sandwiches.

Avoid adding salt or sugar to your baby’s meals, as their kidneys are still developing and they don’t need added sugar.

Stage 4: Confident Independent Eating (12 Months and Beyond)

By their first birthday, many toddlers are eating a varied diet and becoming increasingly independent at mealtimes.

This stage focuses on helping children:

• Feed themselves with fingers or cutlery.
• Drink from an open cup.
• Enjoy family mealtimes.
• Try a wide variety of healthy foods.

It’s perfectly normal for toddlers to become more selective with food. Continue offering different foods without pressure, as repeated exposure often helps children accept new tastes over time.

What Does Scotland Recommend?

Scottish health guidance encourages introducing solid foods at around 6 months, when babies are showing signs that they are ready.

These signs include:

• Sitting up with support and holding their head steady.
• Coordinating their eyes, hands and mouth to pick up food.
• Swallowing food rather than pushing it back out with their tongue.

Introducing solids too early can increase the risk of choking and may mean your baby’s digestive system isn’t fully ready.

Tips for a Positive Weaning Journey

Every baby is different, so try not to compare your child’s progress with others.

Some helpful tips include:

• Let your baby explore food with their hands.
• Eat together as a family whenever possible.
• Offer a variety of colours, tastes and textures.
• Be patient if foods are refused – many babies need several opportunities before accepting something new.
• Keep mealtimes relaxed and enjoyable.

Remember, weaning is about learning as much as eating. Messy faces, dropped food and lots of exploration are all part of the process!

How We Support Weaning at Little Flyers Childcare

At Little Flyers Childcare, we understand that every baby’s weaning journey is unique.

Our experienced practitioners work closely with families to follow each child’s stage of development, introducing foods in line with parents’ wishes and current Scottish guidance. Whether your baby is just beginning to taste solids or is confidently feeding themselves, we create calm, enjoyable mealtimes that encourage independence, healthy eating habits and a positive relationship with food.

We also communicate regularly with parents to ensure consistency between home and nursery, making this important milestone as smooth as possible.

Final Thoughts

The four stages of weaning aren’t about reaching milestones by a certain date—they’re about following your baby’s individual development.

By introducing healthy foods gradually, encouraging exploration and creating enjoyable mealtimes, you’re helping your child build lifelong healthy eating habits.

Every baby learns at their own pace, and with patience, encouragement and support, weaning can be an exciting adventure for the whole family.

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