Weaning
Such an exciting and fun time! (so you hear everyone say) but it can also be quite a stressful time. Not knowing what foods, what textures, when or how to feed your baby can be overwhelming. To add to this, your child might have had a trickier start to life, perhaps with reflux or a medical condition which has meant weaning has been a little stop/start. Sometimes this can mean babies are more
What it is
Modern UK guidance recommends introducing solids from around 6 months (4 months earliest), with deliberate early introduction of common allergens (peanut, egg) to reduce allergy risk. Traditional spoon-fed and baby-led weaning are both safe; combinations are common.
When this is relevant
- First-time parents wanting structured weaning advice.
- Family history of food allergy and want guidance on safe early allergen introduction.
- Faltering growth or feeding difficulties during weaning.
- Picky eating emerging at toddler stage and want to course-correct.
- Weaning into a vegan or vegetarian diet - planning to avoid deficiency.
How we investigate
Feeding and growth history, allergy risk assessment, dietary recall, examination if growth concern.
Options at The Vesey
- Personalised weaning plan - traditional, baby-led or mixed approach.
- Early allergen introduction guidance - peanut, egg, dairy, wheat, soya, fish, sesame, tree nuts.
- Iron-rich weaning food recommendations.
- Texture progression and gag-reflex reassurance.
- Toddler-feeding strategies for emerging selectivity.
- Onward allergy referral where IgE-mediated reaction is suspected.
When should I start introducing solids? +
UK guidance recommends around 6 months, when the baby can sit supported, has good head control, and can coordinate hand to mouth. The absolute minimum is 4 months (17 weeks). Starting before 4 months increases allergy and gut disease risk. There is no benefit to introducing solids before 6 months in healthy, term infants.
Should I introduce peanut and egg early to prevent allergy? +
Yes. The LEAP and EAT studies established that early introduction of allergenic foods — peanut, egg, dairy, wheat, soya, sesame, fish, tree nuts — significantly reduces allergy risk. Introduce each new allergen at home on a day when your baby is well, one at a time, so any reaction can be identified.
What is the difference between spoon-fed and baby-led weaning? +
Traditional (spoon-fed) weaning starts with smooth purees and progresses to lumps. Baby-led weaning offers soft finger foods from the start, allowing the baby to self-feed. Both are safe with guidance. BLW may improve acceptance of varied textures later but requires appropriate food shapes to reduce choking risk. Many families use a combination of both.
What should I do if my baby reacts to a new food? +
For mild reactions (hives, mild swelling, vomiting), seek GP advice and avoid the food. For severe reactions — swelling of the lips or throat, breathing difficulty, collapse — call 999 immediately. Introduce only one new food at a time so reactions can be traced. We will assess allergy risk at the consultation and advise on when to involve an allergy specialist.
Pricing at a glance
Initial paediatric consultation £260 (60-minute slot). Paediatric dietetics weaning consultation £180. Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to book
Book before starting solids if you want structured planning, or at any weaning hiccup - growth concern, fussy eating, suspected reaction.
Cost and pathway
Initial paediatric consultation £260 (60-minute slot). Paediatric dietetics weaning consultation £180.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our paediatric team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.88/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
View our paediatric services →
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
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