Weaning should not begin until your baby has sufficiently matured to tackle the task of taking solid food. Your baby may be ready for weaning if he or she is exhibiting the following developmental signs:

• Is able to sit upright with support.
  
  
• Can hold head up well.
  
  
• Can reach for and grasp objects; frequently puts things into mouth. Baby may be showing an interest in your food, fork, or spoon.
  
  
• No longer has the "extrusion reflex," which causes him or her to forcibly push out food placed in the mouth. To test if this is still present, dab a tiny bit of infant rice cereal thinned with breast milk or formula on baby's tongue. If baby pushes it right back out with the tongue after several tries, the reflex is still present and baby isn't ready.
  
  
• Opens mouth and leans forward.
  
  
• Will accept food from a spoon. This is most likely if baby can move the tongue back and forth and from side to side.

Weaning should begin when your baby is healthy and content. If your child is ill or irritable, owing to teething, for example, the start of weaning should be postponed.

If your baby repeatedly cries or turns the head away when offered food, this may be a sign that he or she is not yet ready. Weaning should never be rushed or forced on your child. Wait a week or two, then try again.