Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999

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Developmental timeline

Starting solids – we’re here to help

It is recommended to introduce solid foods to your baby around 6 months. You can find further support on our ‘Starting Solid Foods’ page and sign up for the free introducing solids talk below.

Choking and gagging is one of the most frequently raised concerns. You can find further support on this by visiting our what to do if your baby is choking page.

Join us for our ‘Introduction to Solids’ programme when your baby is 4-6 months so you can prepare early, know the signs your baby is ready for food and get information in line with NHS guidelines as your prepare for this exciting stage.

Visit the Family Centre Service website for more information on their introduction to solids courses.

For further support on from our Family Centres on introducing solids, please call 0300 123 7572 and speak to the family support staff.

Some children who experience difficulties with eating and drinking may need to see a speech and language therapist. If you are concerned about your child’s eating and drinking skills, please speak to a member of the Health Visiting team in the first instance.

Other useful resources

ChatHealth Logo

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust runs a confidential secure text messaging service for parents of children aged 0-19 years called Chat Health. The service operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, excluding bank holidays. All texts will be responded to by a public health nurse (health visitor/school nurse) within 24 hours. Outside of the service working hours, you’ll receive a message back to inform you that your text will be responded to once the line reopens.

Healthy Together Logo

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust runs the Healthy Together Helpline for parents and carers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The Helpline’s qualified health and administrative professionals offer easy to access, safe and free advice, support and signposting. Calls are answered from 9am – 4.30pm on weekdays, excluding bank holidays. Calls are charged at the same rate as calling a standard landline number.

Should you require urgent health advice in the meantime, please contact your GP, visit an NHS walk-in centre or call NHS 111. For emergencies, dial 999 or visit A&E.

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This page was last reviewed on 23-01-2023

This page will be next reviewed on 23-01-2026

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