If you have a little one, chances are you have heard people ask, “When are you starting solids?” or “Are they on three meals yet?” It is easy to feel the pressure, but just like potty training, weaning is not about a date in the diary. It is about your child’s stage of development.

Before you begin, your baby needs to be able to sit up with support and hold their head steady. That stability is important for safe swallowing. So do not rush, and do not compare your journey to someone else’s. Every child is different, and that is absolutely fine.

Weaning should never feel scary. It is an exciting milestone for you and your baby. This stage is not about replacing milk or hitting calorie targets. Your baby will still get the majority of their nutrition from breastmilk or formula until around one year old. Instead, weaning is about exploration – learning new textures, tastes, smells and the social skills that come with sitting at the table.

One of the best ways to make weaning a positive experience is to include your baby in family mealtimes. Pull them up to the table and let them watch you eat. Babies learn through observation, so every bite you take is teaching them. This is why I love the Stokke Tripp Trapp chair. It brings your baby to the table from birth so they are part of family life right from the start.

Role modelling is powerful. If your baby sees you enjoying your food, using cutlery, and chatting happily at the table, they will want to join in. Weaning is not just about food, it is about connection and social learning.

So take a deep breath and embrace the mess. Let them explore. Let them play with textures. Offer a variety of tastes without pressure or expectation. You are building the foundations for a healthy relationship with food – and that is something worth celebrating.

If you want more expert tips to make weaning stress-free and joyful, keep an eye on my page. I have so many helpful resources coming your way soon. Together, we will make this journey a positive one for you and your little one.