Children may display several signs that they are ready to be weaned. For example, the extrusion (or “tongue-thrust”) reflex may disappear. This reflex causes children to instinctively push objects out of their mouths and to only be able to swallow liquids. As long as this instinct is intact, children are likely to gag when solid food is presented and probably are not ready for weaning.

Sometime between the ages of four months and six months, babies develop the type of coordination that allows them to move food from the front of their mouths to the back, where it can be swallowed. Around this time, they are also able to sit up and hold their heads up before a parent attempts a feeding with solid foods.