Feeding(weaning)

This is the process of introducing non-milk feeds to an infant. Several factors contribute to when weaning is appropriate:

• gastrointestinal and renal physiology must be sufficiently mature to cope with the variety provided by a weaning diet.
• babies are generally able to form a bolus of food at about five months.
• babies may be able to chew at about 6 months.

NHS advice suggests (1,2):

• babies get most of the nutrients they need from breast milk or first infant formula until they are around 6 months old
  
  
• if you are breastfeeding, having breast milk alone up to the age of around 6 months will help protect your baby against illness and infections. Breast milk will carry on protecting them for as long as you carry on feeding
  
  
• waiting until your baby is ready for solid food means they'll quickly be able to feed themselves and will be able to swallow more easily
  
  
• your baby gets all the fluid, nutrients and energy they need from breastmilk or formula - this is why it's best to hold off introducing solids until they are around six months old (2)

Reference:

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/solid-foods-weaning/#when-to-start-weaning-your-baby
• https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/first-foods/