It is advisable to start weaning around six months, following the indications given by the WHO which declared that a diet exclusively based on mother's milk is to be preferred until the sixth month is completed.
After that, weaning can be tried when the child shows what are considered the "signals" that indicate that he is ready to receive a diet other than milk alone:
- sits alone;
- shows a well supported head and chest for an increasingly long time (at least 15 minutes without being uncomfortable or in pain);
- he is intrigued by food (he observes it and follows it with his eyes while you eat it);
- developed the thumb-index pinch grip (useful for grabbing food independently);
- is developing hand-eye coordination;
- the teething process has begun (although the actual presence of teeth is not mandatory).
Very important that the parents are “WOS”:
- don't worry: the child would perceive the tension experienced by translating it into hesitation/diffidence towards food;
- observe your child's needs: for example is he liking the proposed food? Does he like this texture?;
- support the kid in the exploration of new foods, without forcing (even we adults don't necessarily like everything!).