{"id":523,"date":"2022-05-16T12:25:03","date_gmt":"2022-05-16T11:25:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordhealth.nhs.uk\/hv\/?page_id=523"},"modified":"2026-06-01T15:08:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T14:08:25","slug":"solids","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/oxfordhealth.nhs.uk\/hv\/0-1\/solids\/","title":{"rendered":"Introducing solid foods"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Introducing solid foods:<\/h2>\n

When your baby starts having food as well as milk, this is called moving onto solid food.<\/p>\n

Most babies are ready at about 6 months old.<\/p>\n

Before this: \u00b7 milk gives your baby all they need<\/p>\n

\u00b7 your baby\u2019s body is still growing and learning<\/p>\n

Keep giving breast milk or formula as you start solids. Milk is still very important.<\/p>\n

Every baby is different. Your baby will show you when they are ready.<\/p>\n

You might notice they can: \u00b7 sit up and hold their head steady<\/p>\n

\u00b7 pick food up and bring it to their mouth<\/p>\n

\u00b7 swallow food<\/p>\n

Take your time and follow your baby\u2019s lead.<\/p>\n

Premature babies and weaning<\/h2>\n

Weaning for babies who were born prematurely or sick<\/p>\n

Weaning your premature baby | Bliss<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h2>\n

What to feed your baby from 6- 12 months<\/h2>\n

Start with simple foods, such as: vegetables, fruit and\u00a0soft cooked foods<\/p>\n

As your baby gets used to eating: offer more foods and\u00a0try different textures<\/p>\n

Let your baby touch, taste and explore food at their own pace.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/start-for-life\/baby\/weaning\/<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.firststepsnutrition.org\/eating-well-in-the-first-year<\/a><\/p>\n

First Steps N<\/strong>utrition Trust\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

First Steps Nutrition Trust is an independent charity that focuses on healthy eating. They create helpful information and resources for health workers.<\/p>\n

Their work supports families to eat well from before pregnancy until a child is five years old.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Eating Well in the 1st Year: First Steps Nutrition Trust<\/a><\/p>\n

Eating Well Recipe Book: First Steps Nutrition Trust<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Eating well on a budget for the wider family<\/h2>\n

Eat well, spend less | British Dietetic Association (BDA)<\/a><\/p>\n

The BBC has some useful guides to eating on a budget for a variety of dietary requirements.<\/p>\n

Budget recipes and advice – BBC Food<\/a><\/p>\n

Eating healthy on a tight budget: 6 top tips – BHF<\/a><\/p>\n

Some tips to save money on food – British Nutrition Foundation<\/a><\/p>\n

Oxfordshire’s Sustainable Food Network | Good Food Oxfordshire<\/a><\/p>\n

Some supermarkets are selling fruit and veg boxes for as little as \u00a32.<\/p>\n

Sugar Smart | Sustainable Food Places<\/a><\/p>\n

HENRY<\/h2>\n
\n

HENRY supports families from pregnancy until children are 12 years old. They offer workshops, programmes, helpful resources and online support.<\/p>\n

HENRY helps parents build confidence, knowledge and skills so they can make healthy changes for the whole family. This helps children have a happy and healthy start in life.<\/p>\n

Find out more about HENRY and the support in Oxfordshire here:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Parents | HENRY<\/a><\/p>\n

Food allergies<\/h2>\n

Managing food allergies: Baby food allergies – Best Start in Life – NHS<\/a><\/p>\n

Vitamins for children<\/h2>\n

Healthy Start: (help to buy healthy food and milk): Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)<\/a><\/p>\n

Healthy Start Easy Read: Easy Read A4 (V0.3) 01.2022<\/a><\/p>\n

Vitamins for children: Getting vitamins \u2013 Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)<\/a><\/p>\n