Help – My Baby Isn't Taking to Solids
Introducing solid foods is a significant milestone in your baby's development. However, some babies show little interest in solids at first, which can be worrying for parents. The good news is that this is completely normal, and there are gentle ways to encourage your baby without adding pressure.
Milk Remains the Primary Source of Nutrition
For the first 12 months, breast milk or formula continues to be the main source of nutrition for your baby. Solid foods during this period are complementary, meaning they help introduce new tastes, textures, nutrients and motor skills but should not completely replace milk feeds.
The NHS reassures parents that "your baby will get most of the nutrients they need from breast milk or first infant formula" throughout their first year. This means that if your baby isn’t eating much solid food yet, they are still getting everything they need from milk.
From 12 months babies can transition to cow’s milk or unsweetened plant milk alternatives as their main milk, but should avoid rice milk due to the levels of arsenic.
If you are breastfeeding, you do not have to transition to another milk and should continue to breastfeed for as long as you’d like to – there is no upper age limit.
Could Early Weaning Be the Reason?
If your baby isn’t interested in solids, it might be that they weren’t quite ready when you started weaning. The NHS and UK health experts recommend waiting until around six months and ensuring your baby shows the three key signs of readiness:
Sitting up unaided – Your baby should be able to sit upright and hold their head steady without support.
Hand-to-mouth coordination – They should be able to reach for food and bring it to their mouth independently.
Loses the tongue-thrust reflex – Instead of automatically pushing food out with their tongue, they start to move it to the back of their mouth and swallow.
If your baby started solids before these signs were in place, they may not have been developmentally ready, which could be contributing to why they’re not keen on eating yet.
And remember - showing a keen interest in food is not a sign of readiness! Babies are naturally curious and interested in the world around them.
Gentle Tips to Encourage Solids Without Pressure
If your baby is struggling with solids, try these gentle, stress-free approaches:
1. Go at Your Baby’s Pace
Some babies take to food quickly, while others need more time. Try offering a variety of textures and flavours, but don’t force them to eat.
2. Offer, But Avoid Pressure
It’s normal for babies to reject new foods at first. Offer the same food again on different days, but without pressure. Research suggests it can take 10–15 tries before a baby accepts a new flavor.
3. Let Baby Explore
Babies learn by playing! Let them touch, squash, and explore their food. This builds confidence and makes eating fun.
4. Eat Together
Babies are more likely to try food if they see you eating it. Try eating together and letting them see you enjoying your food.
5. Keep Milk Feeds Consistent
Since milk is still their main source of nutrition, don’t cut back on milk feeds too soon. A well-fed baby is more likely to be curious about food than a hungry, frustrated one.
6. Avoid Distractions
A calm, relaxed environment without TV or loud noises can help babies focus on eating.
7. Be Patient
Every baby is different. Some take longer to get used to solid foods, and that’s completely normal. Keep offering a range of foods, and trust that your baby will get there in their own time.
When to Seek Advice
If your baby is still refusing solids after a few months, seems distressed at mealtimes, or isn’t gaining weight as expected, speak to your GP, or a registered dietitian/child nutritionist for support.
