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What are the signs

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GP and expert in baby and women's health

Postnatal depression (PND) is different from the baby blues.

The baby blues can make you feel moody, weepy, tired and anxious, but it usually gets better within a few hours, or days, after the birth. If these feelings go beyond the first two weeks after your baby is born, you may have PND. PND is an illness that has its own set of causes, and it is unlikely to go away quickly without treatment.

Being a mum is a physical and emotional rollercoaster, and you will have highs and lows. You probably don't have PND if you have a few of the signs and symptoms described below every once in a while. But if there are no highs to balance out the lows, and your feelings of misery never seem to lift, you may have PND.

You may have been depressed during pregnancy, or perhaps the following symptoms have crept up on you over the past few weeks, or even months after the birth:

Constant negative thoughts and feelings.

Anxiety about things that wouldn't normally bother you.

Taking no pleasure from being with your baby, or feeling hostile towards him, your partner, or your other children.

Extremely worried about your baby's health, even though he's fine, or thinking you are a hopeless mum, even if you're doing well.

Fearful that you might harm your baby.

Being obsessed with your own health, or your baby's, such as whether or not he is gaining weight, or is breathing properly.

You may also feel:

persistently sad or low

no pleasure in the things you usually enjoy

exhausted, and lacking in motivation

guilty, perhaps about not coping, or not loving your baby enough

lacking in confidence

ready to blame yourself for everything

not keen to see friends or family

PND may make you feel sapped of energy and unable to cope with your daily life. You may not be able to concentrate on anything. Or you may find it hard to remember things and be very indecisive. PND often affects sleep, whether that means you can't get to sleep, or are disturbed by early-morning waking, or vivid nightmares.
If you have PND, you may also suffer from:

panic attacks that cause a rapid heartbeat, sweating, sickness or fainting

tummy pains, headaches or blurred vision

a loss of appetite, or the urge to comfort eat

suicidal feelings, or the urge to self-harm

a low sex drive

PND affects everyone differently. But if you are experiencing many of these feelings, and they are constant, or getting worse, talk to your health visitor or GP (CKS 2009).
You don't have to cope on your own. The first step to feeling better is to recognise that you have PND, and then seek the help and treatment that you need to get better. Sometimes PND can develop into a serious mental illness called postpartum psychosis, which needs immediate medical help.

Ask family and friends to support you through PND. You can also join the BabyCentre community to talk to other mums who understand how you are feeling.

These charities can offer you further advice and support:

Last reviewed: March 2013

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What are the signs of postnatal depression?

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GP and expert in baby and women's health Postnatal depression (PND) is different from the baby blues. The baby blues can make you feel moody, weepy, tired and anxious, but it usually gets better within a few hours, or days, after the birth.

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The science of Sleep. Great information here!

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A guide for the science-minded parent

© 2008-2014 Gwen Dewar, Ph.D., all rights reserved

New parents often hear conflicting advice about sleep. Which baby sleep tips are based on scientific evidence? In these pages, you'll find information based on the latest research in sleep physiology, pediatrics, and anthropology.

For instance, you'll find an evidence-based baby sleep chart, and a critical look at baby sleep requirements. Parents should be wary of one-size-fits all recommendations. When it comes to total sleep duration, babies vary a great deal. One healthy newborn might sleep as little as 9 hours a day. Another might sleep as much as 20 hours. By the age of 12 months, the differences are less extreme, but still substantial: Healthy babies range between 10 and 16 hours (Galland et al 2012).

Here you'll also find articles about sleep patterns in newborns and older babies, including information about sleep cycles, circadian rhythms, cross-cultural sleep practices, and more.

In addition, there are articles on the science of SIDS, SIDS prevention strategies, and the safety of bed sharing, as well as

If you're looking for information about sleep in older children, see my evidence-based guide to family sleep topics.

Like other offerings at ParentingScience.com, these articles include full scientific references--so you can evaluate the evidence for yourself, and make an informed decision about what is best for you and your family.
More detailed information about these articles is provided below.
How babies sleep: A survival guide for tired parents

Looking to improve your family's sleep life? An excellent first step is to get familiar with the science of baby sleep.

Once you understand how, why, and when babies sleep, it will be easier for you to decide on the best sleep strategies for your family. And-while it's a cliché-I think it's true for most people that understanding brings peace of mind.

If you have a new baby, check out my article on newborn sleep. It explains why newborn sleep seems out-of-sync with the 24-hour day, and offers baby sleep tips for helping your newborn develop her own circadian rhythms.

It also reviews baby sleep cycles, which are key for understanding why newborns are so easily aroused from sleep. The article includes baby sleep tips for avoiding unnecessary night awakenings and tips for improving your own sleep during the newborn period.

In addition, you should check out my article baby sleep patterns. There you will find information on reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

After the newborn period

If your baby is already over 4 weeks old, you might prefer to skip ahead to my article on baby sleep patterns. This article explains how baby circadian rhythms and sleep cycles mature over time, and reviews the environmental risk factors for SIDS. It covers how parenting styles, developmental milestones and medical conditions that can affect baby sleep. And the article also reviews two ideas promoted by many Western medical professionals-that babies should "sleep through the night" and that babies should learn to "self-soothe." Are these achievements necessary-or even realistic? The evidence suggests they may not be.

How many hours of sleep does your baby need?

To my surprise, I've learned that there isn't any straightforward, scientific answer to this question. Those authoritative-looking sleep charts you see everywhere are based on scientific guesswork, and they do a poor job of conveying how much variation there is among individuals. To learn more about estimating your baby's sleep needs, see my articles on baby sleep requirements and the signs of sleep deprivation.

Tips for identifying and treating sleep problems

Some babies suffer from medical conditions that disturb their sleep. If your baby seems to be having trouble falling asleep-or staying asleep-it is prudent to have him checked for one of these medical conditions. For more details, see this article on the organic causes of baby sleep disturbances.

However, Western sleep researchers report that most ongoing baby sleep problems are not caused by underlying medical conditions. Instead, they are caused by environmental factors--and these are factors you have the power to change.

In my "troubleshooting" article, I review science-based baby sleep tips for the most common causes of infant sleep problems. I also discuss the controversy about leaving babies alone to "cry it out," and review what sleep training programs may be safe and appropriate for babies under the age of 12 months.

But does your baby really have a sleep problem? Perhaps everything is going reasonably well, except that you are worried that your baby is sleeping too little--or too much. If this is your concern, check out my article on baby sleep requirements.

For more baby sleep tips, see this review of infant sleep aids. In addition, see my article on infant sleep training. It reviews two scientifically-tested sleep training programs appropriate for babies over 6 months old.

References: Baby sleep tips

Galland BC, Taylor BJ, elder DE, and Herbison P. 2012. Normal sleep patterns in infants and children: A systematic review of observational studies. Sleep Medicine Reviews 16: 213-222.

Wooding AR, Boyd J, and Geddis DP. 1990. Sleep patterns of New Zealand infants during the first 12 months of life. Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health 26: 85-88.

Content last modified 2/14

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Baby sleep tips: A guide for the science-minded parent

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New parents often hear conflicting advice about sleep. Which baby sleep tips are based on scientific evidence? In these pages, you'll find information based on the latest research in sleep physiology, pediatrics, and anthropology. For instance, you'll find an evidence-based baby sleep chart, and a critical look at baby sleep requirements.

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includes Vauxhall

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There's now a new and easy way for you to help us raise funds for our branch of the NCT - simply by shopping online! Easyfundraising is a shopping directory that features some of your favourite online stores, including Amazon, Boden, M&S, Mothercare, Hamley's, NEXT, Debenhams, John Lewis, Toys'R'Us, HMV and over 500 others.

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Developmental stages

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Your baby will reach milestones at a rate that's unique to them. They'll get to each development stage when they are ready so try not to compare them with others.

It's fascinating to see your baby grow and develop before your eyes. You will have plenty of exciting baby's firsts to look forward to in the coming months. The following are the baby development stages you can expect.

Grasping and grabbing

Your baby can grasp an object like your finger from the moment they are born. At birth it's a reflex and by the time they're around three months old, it's a skill they're keen to develop.

You'll notice your little one's increased hand-eye coordination, as they discover their hands are part of their body and start to gain control over them (Murray, 2014).

As your baby develops their arm and hand muscles they will start to reach for objects (Public Health Agency, 2018). It's a good idea to make sure hot drinks are out of their reach. Your little one will begin to reach accurately and quickly, not only with both hands but with their entire body.

By four months, your baby will probably have finally mastered this game and be able to get his thumb to his mouth and keep it there (Murray, 2014). Many people say this movement is one of the most important ways for your baby to self-sooth and calm down. So try not to cover your baby's hands or prevent them from sucking their thumb if they want to.

Kick, wriggle and roll

If your baby enjoys kicking, wriggling and rolling, let them have enough space to move around. Make sure they aren't constricted by clothing that's too big or too small.

At first your little one's movements may appear jerky and meaningless. If you observe your baby closely, you'll see they are communicating through limb movements and facial expressions (Kelly, 2014).

Babies sometimes prefer to feel contained, recreating the feeling of being in the womb. Some babies might fling out their arms or try to push themselves up to the sides of their cot or Moses basket. This is a short phase. To create that security, you could tuck your baby in, or carry them in a sling.

Rolling over is usually the next stage of baby movement. So be careful about putting your baby on a bed or a high surface in case they start demonstrating their new skill.

Tummy time

Giving your baby supervised tummy time will help them to strengthen their back, arm and neck muscles (Pin et al, 2007; Hewitt et al, 2017; NHS Choices, 2017a; Wittmeier and Mulder, 2017). It also encourages them to roll over and get a different view of the world.

You can practice 'tummy time' with your little one once or several times a day (Pin et al, 2007; Hewitt et al, 2017; NHS Choices, 2017a). It's best to do it when your baby is awake and alert.

Some babies don't like being put on their tummies. This is perfectly normal and may change as your baby develops week by week (Pin et al, 2007; Hewitt et al, 2017; NHS Choices, 2017a). Read more in our article about tips for tummy time.

Sitting, crawling and bottom shuffling

Babies learn to sit, first supported and then unsupported (Public Health Agency, 2018). Your little one might enjoy holding your hands and attempting to pull up to a sit.

Some babies find it difficult moving from sitting to crawling and they can hurt themselves. Your baby might get stuck, so it's a good idea for someone to be close by and keep an eye on them.

When your little one decides to crawl for the first time, it's likely to be towards something or someone that interests them. You can encourage them by putting a favourite toy just out of their reach, or by calling them from a few paces away.

Try to place your baby on a soft blanket or carpet and be prepared for them to wobble a little. As they may still be too young to support their own body weight on their arms.

Some babies crawl sideways, backwards, or even with one knee up. Others will shuffle around on their bottom instead of crawling, this is normal for some babies.

If your little one is a bottom-shuffler they may propel themselves using one hand and one leg or both hands and legs. They might even bounce themselves along.

Standing and cruising

Some babies will crawl for months before walking, others may move on quickly (Public Health Agency, 2018). You can encourage your little one to walk by supporting their underarms with your hands and bouncing them up and down. You might notice them stiffen then relax their legs, stand on their tip toes and sometimes resist being put down.

At this age your baby might stand up and not know how to get back down, so they may call out for help. You can teach them to lower themselves onto their bottom by pushing them down gently.

Once your little one has learned how to stand, it won't be long until they are cruising. This is when your baby starts grabbing onto furniture to pull themselves up and for support as they shuffle along a few steps (NHS Choices, 2017b). So always keep hot drinks out of reach.

Cruising is one of your baby's last steps to walking completely independently. Remember some slips and falls are inevitable and all part of learning.

In the beginning, your baby might walk with their feet at a slight angle; this can happen while the muscles in their legs get stronger (NHS Choices, 2017b). If this continues, seek advice from your GP.

It's a good idea to do another baby safety check around your house. You might need to move small items up another level out of your baby's reach or put them away. Make sure that any dangerous items like cleaning products are out of your baby's reach.

Walking

Some babies will spend plenty of time cruising as they gain confidence, while others quickly move on to walking. Learning to walk is a huge baby milestone.

Seeing your little one take their first steps on their own is an incredible feeling and they will be delighted too. Before you know it they will be running, jumping and skipping, and you will be chasing after them.

Baby milestones

Babies will choose when they feel comfortable rolling over, sitting, crawling, standing or walking.

If your little one is learning a new skill, it's better to leave them to master that stage of development rather than push them onto the next milestone (Plooij and van de Rijt, 2013).

Sometimes your baby may seem to lose a skill due to concentrating on gaining a new ability. Once they have mastered the new skill, you will see that the old ones are still present (WHO, 2006).

Similarly, if your little one is ill, they might temporarily regress with their movement. As soon as they're feeling well again, they'll have the energy to pick up where they left off (WHO, 2006).

There's no rush, most babies will do things when they're ready. You can help by making sure they can move around and practice their new abilities freely, easily and safely.
This page was last reviewed in October 2017.
Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

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Your baby's development: physical stages | Baby & toddler articles & support | NCT

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Your baby will reach milestones at a rate that's unique to them. They'll get to each development stage when they are ready so try not to compare them with others. It's fascinating to see your baby grow and develop before your eyes. You will have plenty of exciting baby's firsts to look forward to in the coming months.

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Drugs in Breastmilk factsheets - The Breastfeeding Network

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These factsheets have been compiled by our Drugs in Breastmilk information service team of pharmacists. If you are unable to find the information you are looking for below, or you still have questions, you can contact the team by sending a private message via our Facebook page or via email. Please provide as much information as possible (age […]

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Birth reflections - Royal London, Whipps, Newham

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Birth reflections - Royal London, Whipps, Newham

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A senior midwife will talk through your notes and birth with you

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A senior midwife will bring your notes and talk through your birth with you

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Birth afterthoughts is a listening service available to any woman who has given birth to their baby, or is planning to give birth, in the Rosie. It is a confidential service that provides an opportunity to discuss and understand what happened during labour and birth.

For parents, events around a baby's birth may have been confusing, unexpected or unplanned for parents. Labour and birth may have been different to expectations and plans made during pregnancy. There may have been a need for medical intervention, or even a medical emergency. Such events can be difficult to understand without information to 'fill in the gaps', have questions answered, or understand the medical assessment and decision making process in labour. It is not always easy to take in all the information that is given at the time, or just after the birth. For this reason, no particular time limit is set for birth afterthoughts, and women may contact the service directly when they feel ready.

During the session mothers may talk with the midwife who will read through their birth notes. They may wish to talk about the questions they have, their memories and feelings and thoughts. Partners may also attend. This process can very beneficial if a mother or couple are finding it difficult to understand, or perhaps come to terms with events. It may also be very important in helping to better prepare for the next pregnancy, labour and birth.

Birth afterthoughts is also used by mothers who have suffered loss in pregnancy or death of their baby, and we aim to offer them additional support in their next pregnancy.

Call us 01223 217 882 to arrange a time to come and talk. Please leave a message and a midwife will call you back.

birthafterthoughtsservice@addenbrookes.nhs.uk

We look forward to seeing you.

(If the midwife is unable to answer all of your questions or you have any other concerns, please see your GP who can refer you to the hospital for an appointment to speak to an obstetrician.)

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Birth afterthoughts is a listening service available to any woman who has given birth to their baby, or is planning to give birth, in the Rosie. It is a confidential service that provides an opportunity to discuss and understand what happened during labour and birth.

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If your baby has a flat part on their head

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What is plagiocephaly?

When a baby has a flattened area on his head at the back, or to one side, it's called plagiocephaly. Plagiocephaly means oblique or slanting head, but most people just call it flat head. It is usually nothing to worry about and it often corrects itself over time (NHS 2012).

Plagiocephaly is common in babies who are less than five months old. That's because the bones in babies' skulls are soft and movable when they are born.

Babies' skull bones are soft to help them squeeze through the birth canal as they are born. It's easy for your baby's head to become misshapen because of the soft bones. All your baby's bones will gradually strengthen and harden in the coming months and years.

What's caused my baby's flat head?

Your baby's flat head was caused by persistent, gentle pressure on one place on his skull. The pressure changes the shape of your baby's head so that it's no longer symmetrical.

Plagiocephaly can develop before or after a baby is born:

If your baby is born with a misshapen head, it's called deformational plagiocephaly.

If your baby is born with a symmetrical head, but develops a flat area after a few weeks or months (ICSI 2004), it's called positional plagiocephaly.

If the flattening is right across the back of your baby's head, either during or after birth, it's called brachycephaly.
Your baby may develop deformational plagiocephaly because of a lack of space in your womb (uterus). This can happen if:

He is in a breech position.

He is one of a set of twins or more (NHS 2012).

He is your first baby. First babies' heads tend to engage earlier in pregnancy and their mums tend to have stronger uterine or tummy muscles (Littlefield et al 2001).

There was a lack of amniotic fluid in your womb (NHS 2012).

Your baby may develop positional plagiocephaly if he lies in the same position for long periods of time.
Premature babies are more likely to develop positional plagiocephaly, because their skulls are very soft and they may spend a long time lying in the neonatal unit on a respirator (Littlefield et al 2001, NHS 2012).

Another reason your baby may develop positional plagiocephaly is if he has tight neck muscles (torticollis) (HIS 2007, NHS 2012). This tightness makes it more likely that your baby will prefer to lie with his head in one position.

If your baby has torticollis, your doctor should refer you to a physiotherapist. Your physiotherapist can show you how to help your baby with gentle neck-stretching exercises several times a day (HIS 2007, Littlefield et al 2001).

Positional plagiocephaly has become more common since it was recommended that parents put their baby down to sleep on their backs. If babies sleep on their backs, it helps to prevent cot death (SIDS) (HIS 2007, NHS 2012). Mattresses for cots are also much firmer now, which can increase the pressure on your baby's head (GOSHC 2011).

However, this does not mean that it is a good idea to start laying your baby on his front to prevent plagiocephaly. Lying on his back is the safest way for your baby to sleep.

It's also possible that as more of us are using infant carriers and car seats, our babies are more likely to develop flat areas on their skulls (GOSHC 2011, HIS 2007).

Very rarely, a baby may have a misshapen head because of a condition that isn't plagiocephaly. Other conditions that may cause a misshapen head include:

When a baby's skull bones fuse prematurely (craniosynostosis).

When a baby has an abnormality affecting his neck bones (cervical spine abnormality).

When a baby has a fibrous mass in his neck muscle (sternomastoid tumour), which can lead to torticollis.

If you're concerned about your baby's head shape, take him to see your GP. Your GP can assess your baby and decide whether he needs to be referred to a specialist doctor.
Can plagiocephaly harm my baby?

Plagiocephaly is harmless and won't affect your baby, or the way his brain develops (HIS 2007, NHS 2012). However, it's only natural to worry about how your baby's head looks. Plagiocephaly can make a baby's head noticeably misshapen.

You may be concerned about how your child will feel about his appearance as he grows. In fact, it's most likely that your child's head will regain a more rounded shape by the time he's two years old, if not before, either on its own or with treatment.

What can I do about my baby's plagiocephaly?

You can help your baby's head return to a more rounded shape by altering his position while he's asleep, feeding, and playing (NHS 2012,).

Changing your baby's position encourages the flattened areas of your baby's head to reshape naturally (Vlimmeren et al 2008).

For your baby's safety, always put him on his back to sleep. There are other things you can try to encourage him not to lie on the flat part of his head:

When you put your baby down on his back, make sure the rounded side of his head is in contact with the mattress.

Put your baby down in his cot with his head at one end one night and the other end the next night. Your baby will usually prefer to face the same direction, so will turn his head to face the same way.

If your baby sleeps in your bedroom in a crib or Moses basket, turn the crib or basket around regularly so that your baby is not always looking in the same direction.

While your baby is awake, there are steps you can take to encourage him to move his head around:

Change the position of toys and other interesting things that your baby likes to look at from one side of the cot to the other.

As your baby's neck muscles strengthen, put him on his tummy, just for a minute or two minutes at first. By three months you should be able to play with your baby while he's on his front. Slowly increase tummy time to at least 30 minutes, three times a day (van Vlimmeren et al 2008).

Reduce the amount of time your baby spends in an infant carrier or car seat where his head is in one position.

Carry your baby on alternate shoulders or hips, and make sure your baby's head isn't always in the same feeding position.

Between four months and six months, your baby will be happy to be propped up, or may be starting to sit without support. This takes the pressure off your baby's skull during the day and will help his head to become more rounded on its own.
Usually, repositioning your baby's head will resolve any issues without further treatment (Hutchinson 2010). However, if you've tried repositioning for six weeks to eight weeks without any improvement, your doctor may recommend other treatment (NHS 2012).

What other treatments are there?

The next step in treating your baby's plagiocephaly could be to try a helmet or a headband to correct his head shape. This type of treatment is called cranial orthosis.

Cranial orthosis may be suitable if your baby's plagiocephaly is severe or has not improved by six months, even after you've tried repositioning for between six weeks and eight weeks.

If you want cranial orthosis for your baby, you'll have to pay for it, as it's not available on the NHS. It may cost anything up to £2,500. You may have to travel some distance to see a cranial orthosis specialist. You could ask your GP for information about the nearest cranial orthosis clinic and the likely costs of treatment.

The helmets provided by these clinics apply gentle but constant pressure on the prominent areas of your baby's head for up to 23 hours a day. The pressure encourages your baby's skull to grow out to a rounded shape where it has become flattened.

A specialist doctor will take a mould of your baby's head, or take a scan to measure his head shape. Then your baby needs regular assessments, usually every six weeks, to see how his head is growing and to adjust the helmet.

Babies usually quickly get used to wearing a helmet. You may need to wash your baby's hair more often, as the helmet can make your baby's head sweaty. The helmet should be fitted so it doesn't feel at all uncomfortable for your baby.

Cranial orthosis is a controversial technique, because it can be expensive and we can't yet be sure how effective it is (HIS 2007).

Studies have suggested that cranial orthosis may be more effective and work more quickly than repositioning ( Xia et al 2009). However, the experts who did these studies want more research to be done to confirm this.

Where can I find more help?

The charity Headstart4babies has more information about cranial orthosis. You can also talk to other parents who have babies with plagiocephaly in the BabyCentre community.

References

Bialocerkowski AE, Vladusic Sl, Howell SM. 2005. Conservative interventions for positional plagiocephaly: a systematic review. Dev Med Child Neurol 47(8): 563-70 www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com

Flores-Sarnat L. 2002. New insights into craniosynostosis. Semin pediatr neurol 9(4):274-91

GOSHC. 2011. Plagiocephaly information. Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. www.gosh.nhs.uk [Accessed February 2014]

HIS. 2007. The use of cranial orthosis treatment for infant deformational plagiocephaly. Evidence note 16. Healthcare Improvement Scotland. www.healthcareimprovementscotland.org www.nhshealthquality.org [Accessed February 2014]

Hutchinson B, Stewart A, Mitchell E. 2010. Deformational plagiocephaly: a follow-up of head shape, parental concern and neurodevelopment at ages three and four years. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 96(1):85-90 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [Accessed February 2014]

ICSI. 2004. Cranial Orthoses for Deformational Plagiocephaly. Technology Assessment Report. Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, USA

Vlimmeren LA, van der Graaf Y, Boere-Boonekamp MM, et al. 2008. Effect of pediatric physical therapy on deformational plagiocephaly in children with positional preference. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 162(8):712-8 archpedi.ama-assn.org [pdf file, accessed February 2014]

Xia JJ, Kennedy KA, Teichgraeber JF, et al. 2009. Non-surgical treatment of deformational plagiocephaly. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 162(8):719-27 archpedi.ama-assn.org [pdf file, accessed February 2014]

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When a baby has a flattened area on his head at the back, or to one side, it's called plagiocephaly. Plagiocephaly means oblique or slanting head, but most people just call it flat head. It is usually nothing to worry about and it often corrects itself over time (NHS 2012).

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(Hartham pool)

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Introducing your baby to their first foods is an important time in your baby's life and can be lots of fun. Health professionals agree you should start giving your baby their first solids when they are around six months old (NHS, 2019a). A baby's digestive system needs time to develop so that it can cope with solid foods (UNICEF, no date).

While not all babies instantly enjoy solids, you may see some happy and funny faces as your baby tries their first foods. Family life is about to get messier as your baby explores new tastes and textures.

When should my baby try their first foods?

Your baby should only need breastmilk or formula milk for the first six months of their life. Experts say that introducing solid food earlier than this has no advantages. It may even increase the risk of your baby getting an infection or illness (UNICEF, no date; First Steps Nutrition Trust, 2020).

Waiting until your baby is six months old before you introduce solids also means they'll be more likely to be able to feed themselves (Rapley and Murkett, 2010; Brown, 2017). At this age, your baby will also be able to manage foods in their mouth and swallow properly, which reduces the risk of choking (Rapley and Murkett, 2010). Babies don't produce all the enzymes needed to digest food thoroughly until they are about one year old (Naylor and Morrow, 2001; Brown and Lee, 2013).

How do I know if my baby is ready for solids?

Your baby will give you various signs that they might be ready for their first foods:

Your baby can sit up with support and hold their head steady.

They can swallow their food - babies who aren't ready automatically push food out of their mouth with their tongue.

They can pick up food and put it in their mouth. (NHS, 2019a)

Sometimes, your baby might seem hungrier but this on its own does not mean they need to start solids. Babies sometimes have growth and accompanying appetite spurts. Although some people believe that solids will help babies to sleep through the night, research doesn't support this (Brown and Harries, 2015; Murcia et al, 2019).

In the first six months of their life, you can respond to your baby's increased need for milk by feeding them more frequently if breastfeeding. You can also give them more milk feeds up to the maximum daily recommended amount if formula feeding (Marasco and Barger, 1999).

Most babies start to cut teeth when they're around six months old, and this helps them to bite and chew their food. Some babies get their first teeth earlier than this. Whenever they get their first teeth, babies don't need teeth to chew and will manage pieces of food quite well without (Brown, 2017).

A baby who is unsettled and putting their fists in their mouth a lot may be teething rather than hungry (NHS, 2019b).

What if my baby was premature?

If your baby was born prematurely, there is no definitive age when introducing solids is recommended. Some healthcare practitioners say a baby's four months corrected age is the youngest age to introduce solids. Looking out for the signs of readiness listed above is even more important with a premature baby (Bliss, no date).

You might want to speak to your GP or health visitor for further advice (NHS, 2019a).

Getting started: Introducing solid foods

From six months old, babies can eat a wide variety of foods and there's no need to begin with bland flavours. Babies will only need small quantities at first, because their tummies are still small (NHS, 2019b).

Some parents opt for baby-led weaning. Others choose to make homemade dishes and then purée or mash foods.

You might opt for pre-packaged baby purees and baby foods, or a combination - it's up to you. It's important to check the sugar content of commercially produced infant food, as it can be very high. Purees in pouches are not recommended for this reason (First Steps Nutrition Trust, 2018). Read our tips on how to get started with introducing your baby to their first foods.

Baby-led weaning

Baby-led weaning is when parents offer pieces of food for their baby to grasp in their hands and feed themselves. Rather than you feeding your baby, baby-led weaning puts your baby in charge of picking up and eating what they choose. Read more in our baby-led weaning for beginners and baby-led weaning tips articles.

It can be slow to begin with. Your baby joining in at family meals can help them as they'll watch and copy other family members.

Your baby's first solid foods

You can offer your baby their first solid foods at a time that suits both of you, although it might be easier if your baby is not tired or too hungry (NHS, 2019a).

There is little evidence to tell us which foods are best for your baby to start with. But vegetables and fruit can make good first foods. You could try starting with:

Soft fruit or cooked vegetables chopped into sticks or pieces large and firm enough for your baby to pick up with their whole fist.

Mashed or pureed fruit or vegetables.

Baby rice or cereal - mix the rice with a bit of your baby's usual milk.

For a younger baby who is being spoon-fed starting on solid foods, you can add expressed breastmilk or formula.

You might be surprised that your baby can cope with pieces of lean, well-cooked meat or fish, pasta, pulses, beans or bread that they can hold and suck. (NHS, 2019a; First Steps Nutrition Trust, 2020)

Food for babies should not have salt added at either the cooking stage or afterwards (NHS, 2018). Babies also don't need sweet foods, such as biscuits or cakes, or foods high in saturated fats (NHS, 2018).

Iron-rich foods for babies

Anaemia (low iron levels) is one of the most common problems among young children (Daniels et al, 2018). So iron-rich foods are important in your baby's diet.

Iron-rich foods include red meat, pulses (peas and beans) and iron-fortified cereals. Vitamin C, which is in fresh fruit and fresh or frozen vegetables, can help your baby absorb iron. Breast milk and formula milk also contain iron.

Which foods should be avoided?

After six months of age, babies can eat small quantities of most foods except:

whole nuts and similarly unyeilding foods that could cause them to choke

foods that might cause food poisoning under the age of one year, such as raw egg (if no Lion mark is present), unpasteurised cheeses and raw shellfish

honey because of the risk of botulism

rice drinks because of the levels of arsenic

shark, swordfish or marlin due to high mercury levels.

What about food allergies?

If your baby already has an allergy or there is a family history of allergies, you might want to be particularly careful when introducing foods and perhaps speak to your GP or health visitor first (NHS, 2021). There is no evidence that introducing egg or peanut products before six months old rather than at six months prevents allergies (SACN-COT, 2016; NHS, 2021).

Some studies have suggested that babies at increased risk of peanut allergy might benefit from early introduction to peanut-containing foods (Du Toit et al, 2015). But it's too soon to say whether guidance to families will change.

Keeping your baby safe

Some parents worry that starting to eat solids puts their baby at risk of choking. Here are some precautions you can take to keep them safe when you're feeding your baby solid food:

Make sure your baby is sitting upright and steady.

Always stay with your baby while they are eating.

Don't rush your baby - let them take their time.

Cut food items like grapes and baby tomatoes lengthways.

Avoid foods like whole nuts, which children under five years should not have, because they are a choking hazard.

(Rapley and Murkett, 2010; NHS, 2021)

As well as being extra careful, you could learn what to do if your baby is choking. If they are choking, they won't make any noise at all (NCT, 2016). You might find it helpful to attend an NCT baby first aid course at this stage to help build your confidence.
This page was last reviewed in December 2021.
Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

You might find attending one of our Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

You might find attending one of NCT's Introducing Solids Foods workshops helpful as they cover topics like when to start your baby on their first foods. They also cover topics like purees, baby-led weaning and what foods to avoid. These courses are run by NCT qualified practitioners and you will also get to meet other local parents with babies of a similar age to yours.

Some parents find attending a Baby First aid course helpful.

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Introducing your baby to solids | Baby & toddler, Feeding articles & support | NCT

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Introducing your baby to their first foods is an important time in your baby's life and can be lots of fun. Health professionals agree you should start giving your baby their first solids when they are around six months old (NHS, 2019a).

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This is the baby massage I do. Have a look at the photos at the top and the info on tummy time!

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Advice and guidance for parents and parents to be

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Birth afterthoughts at the Princess Alexandra

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Birth afterthoughts at the Princess Alexandra

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Called Birth reflections. Book an appointment with a senior midwife and they will talk through your birth

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Book an appointment with a senior midwife who will bring your notes and talk to you about your birth experience

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Covers Stevenage, Hitchin...

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The Herts North branch of the NCT covers the Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock areas, including surrounding villages.

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NCT Welwyn and Hatfield branch of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) covers the Welwyn Garden City, Welwyn, Knebworth and Hatfield areas including surrounding villages.

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Have a look at your branch page

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Have a look at your branch page

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To search for branches, events or courses, please use the dedicated searches in these sections.

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Bishop's Stortford and Sawbridgeworth branch of NCT

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Bishop's Stortford and Sawbridgeworth branch of NCT

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Also for parents in Stansted (Stansted branch is dormant at the moment til they find more volunteers)

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The Bishop's Stortford/Sawbridgeworth branch is run by local parents and we offer support, information and friendship to new parents, old parents and parents-to-be. There are lots of local events for you to come along to, meet new people and get to know other parents in the area.

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Are you interested in helping out with Waltham Forest NCT branch activities? Would you like to use your skills and experience to support local parents? Perhaps you would like and meet new people in your community? We are a busy branch and we are all volunteers.

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Coffee Mornings: All welcome!

Coffee mornings are relaxed meet-ups for parents, open to everyone from bumps to babies and toddlers (mums, dads, grannies and other carers all welcome!). No need to forewarn us you're coming, just drop in and say hello! Our current coffee mornings are:

SOUTH WOODFORD: Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm, Wildwood's, South Woodford,88-90 High Road, South Woodford, E18 2NA. Host: Rokaya.

ILFORD: Mondays 10-12noon. Starbucks, 88 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1DN. Host: Kar. Attendees receive 10% off 'hand crafted beverages' aka coffee :)

We are looking for NEW HOSTS (particularly in Wanstead & Buckhurst Hill) so if you would like to discuss starting a new meet up in your area, please get in touch on the address below. It is a great way to meet a network of local parents! If you would like to be connected to a host or have any queries contact Indre via ParentSupport.Redbridge@nct.org.uk
Bumps @ the Pub: Expectant Parents Meet Ups

These events are designed for both bumps and their partners. Usually ran in the evening from 7.30-9ish. They are a fantastic great opportunity to meet other local parents going through the same things as you whether your first, second of third baby, please come along! Open to all stages of pregnancy from 12-40 weeks+! We will have a reserved area and our Bumps Coordinator Gemma will be there to welcome you.
Please email bumpsandbabies1.redbridge@nct.org.uk for more info on our next event!
Bumps and Babies groups: Expectant & New Mum's

These are relaxed and informal groups that bring together expectant mums/those with newborns who are around the same stage for a hosted initial coffee morning. It is a great place to make new friends with people in your local area, and share your experiences with people going through the same thing. Typically groups are around eight mummies.

The organiser will host the first meeting, and then distributes contact information to all those who wish to meet up again. Normally someone would volunteer to arrange the next meet up. There are no 'rules' however the groups work best if all members try to meet up regularly. Meets ups are usually held in the host's home. If for whatever reason you are unable to attend, you will always be invited back to the next meeting.
If you would like to host or join a group please send an e-mail with your name, due or birth date and postcode tobumpsandbabies1.r edbridge@nct.org.uk

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Coffee mornings are relaxed meet-ups for parents, open to everyone from bumps to babies and toddlers (mums, dads, grannies and other carers all welcome!). No need to forewarn us you're coming, just drop in and say hello! Our current coffee mornings are: SOUTH WOODFORD: Wednesdays from 12.30-2.30pm, Wildwood's, South Woodford,88-90 High Road, South Woodford, E18 2NA.

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Have a look at your branch page

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Hackney NCT offers support, information and friendship to parents and parents-to-be to make the transition to parenthood as smooth and enjoyable as possible.