Top tips for introducing solid foods to twins and triplets

Getting ready to start solids with twins and triplets

Introducing solid food is a big, exciting step in your babies’ first year. When you have twins, triplets or more, it can feel like you are running a tiny restaurant with very demanding customers. It is completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves.

The good news is that weaning does not have to be perfect or fancy. With a bit of planning, some realistic expectations and a sense of humour, you can turn this messy stage into a positive part of your family routine. Think of it as helping your babies explore the world in a new way, one squished pea at a time.

What to look for before starting solids

The first thing to remember is that your babies might not be ready for solids at the same time. Even if they shared a womb, they are still individual people. One may be reaching for your plate while the other is happier just watching. That is completely normal.

Look out for signs that each baby is ready, such as being able to sit with good head control, showing interest in food and being able to move food around their mouth. If your babies were born prematurely, talk to your health professional before you begin. They can help you decide on the right timing and suggest suitable first foods.

While one baby is tucking in and another is not quite there yet, it still helps to bring everyone to the table. Pop them all in highchairs or bouncy chairs so they can see what is going on. Watching a brother or sister squash, lick or chew food is a brilliant way to spark curiosity without any pressure to join in.

It also helps to keep in mind what these early meals are really about. At the start, milk will still provide most of your babies’ nutrition. Mealtimes are more about learning new tastes, textures and skills than filling tiny tummies. If they only manage a lick, a poke or a quick taste before losing interest, that still counts as progress.

Choosing a weaning style that suits your family

There is not one right way to wean, only the way that works best for you and your babies. Some parents feel happiest starting with traditional spoon-feeding, some prefer baby-led weaning, and many use a mixture of both. You might find our weaning course (LINK to weaning course) helpful if you would like to explore different approaches in more detail and see what feels like a good fit.

You can also adapt your approach for each baby. One might love holding soft finger foods, while another prefers the comfort of smooth purées on a spoon. That is absolutely fine. Trying a mixed approach can give you flexibility and let each child explore in the way that feels safest and most enjoyable for them.

Practical set-up makes a real difference. Before you sit everyone down, gather what you need so you are not rummaging in cupboards while someone is getting upset. Bibs, wipes, spoons, plates and cups are all easier to manage when they are within reach. Being organised at the start keeps things calmer for you and your babies.

Batch cooking can also be a lifesaver when you are feeding more than one baby. Cooking a simple recipe and freezing it in small portions means ‘future you’ has ready-made meals waiting in the freezer. On days when everything feels a bit much, having a few jars or pouches as backups is not cheating, it is smart planning. It is all about keeping mealtimes manageable rather than perfect.

Mess is part of the learning, especially if your babies are exploring food with their hands. You might want to protect your floor with a shower curtain or plastic mat and use long-sleeved, all-over bibs for your babies. Making a little more food than you think you will need can also help, as plenty of it will end up on the floor, highchair or tiny cheeks instead of in their mouths.

Keeping mealtimes positive for everyone

Patience is your best friend during weaning. Babies often need to try a new taste many times, sometimes around 15 times, before they decide if they like it. They might pull faces, push the spoon away or clamp their mouths shut. Try to keep calm, offer foods gently and keep the mood light. You can always try again another day.

You will probably notice different eating styles emerging. One baby may be an enthusiastic eater, while another likes to take things slowly. Try to respond to each baby as an individual rather than comparing them. Following their cues helps make mealtimes feel safe and relaxed.

Weaning multiples can be unpredictable, noisy and definitely messy, but it is also a lovely chance to sit together and share something new. With a bit of planning, plenty of wipes and a relaxed, playful attitude, you can build happy food memories from the very first spoonfuls. Every smushed banana and every tiny nibble is part of the journey, and each of your babies will find their own pace in their own time.