Weaning can be defined as the introduction of complementary solids, with a corresponding reduction in breast milk or infant formula. Whilst there is guidance available, an individual approach needs to be taken so that care plans can be patient-centred, especially for preterm infants and those with allergies.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the introduction of solids at around six months of age. In clinical practice, for a variety of reasons, weaning may commence earlier than six months of age depending on the readiness of the infant and clinical presentation. Weaning should not be commenced before 17 weeks of age. Whilst solids should be introduced and the volume of solids consumed increased, breast milk or formula milk should remain the infant’s main nutritional source until one year of age.