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Weaning your baby

Company News

13 May 2024

Introducing solid foods is a gradual process, and when the time comes to transition from breastfeeding or bottle feeding to solid foods, you may have many questions about how to start the process, when, what foods, and more! We have put together some vital information for parents all around this topic.

What is weaning?

The definition of ‘weaning’ – also known as complementary feeding – is giving solid foods alongside breast milk or formula.

Weaning is a huge learning curve for you and your baby, and it’s an exciting time of exploration for your little one that can bring so many magical moments, yet it can be hard to get to grips with.

When should you start weaning?

The NHS advice is that the age of six months old is the best time to wean your baby. This is because babies need time to develop so they can cope with eating more solid foods.

The end of this process is when you’ll eventually stop breastfeeding or bottle feeding as your child completes the transition to solid food.

3 signs a baby is ready to start weaning

  • A baby can sit and physically hold their head steady.
  • They are able to swallow food rather than lick or spit back out.
  • Hand and eye coordination is beginning to develop to enable the baby to pick up foods with their fingers and bring it to their mouths.

Usually around six months, a child’s mouth, chewing and swallowing will be further developed to enable babies to start eating foods – this means they can begin to have puréed, mashed, lumpy and finger foods. Babies will be physically able to pick up foods using their hands and try to feed themselves.

First stage 6 months 

This is a good foundation to start with and see if your baby is able to swallow the puréed food and experience different tastes. Make sure to choose a time when you are not rushed, and offer the food in small amounts. At this stage, your baby will still be getting most of the nutrition they need from breast or formula feeding.

Start with:

  • Pureed fruit and vegetables.
  • Baby rice

Second stage 7-9 months 

At this stage, babies will gradually move towards eating 3 meals a day. Offering a wide variety of different foods is important to ensure they get enough energy and nutrients.

Babies do not need salt or sugar added to their food  – salty food is not good for their kidneys, and sugar can cause tooth decay as they begin to have teeth.

The food can start to be mashed and softly lumpy. Depending on how the child is with puréed foods and finger foods. Soft lumps can be introduced softly.

New foods can be introduced now alongside fruit and vegetables such as:

  • Starchy foods- rice, bread, pasta, oats, quinoa, porridge.
  • Dairy- cheese and full fat yogurt (no sugar)
  • Protein foods- chicken, lamb, pork, beef, egg, fish, beans and turkey.

Top tip – Parents should create a food list so they can keep track on what the child has tried and to also ensure foods do not trigger any type of reaction. If the child attends nursery the food list should be shared with the key worker and the nursery to ensure the same foods are given.

Stage 3 – 10-12 months 

Babies should be used to having 3 meals a day now. Lunch and dinner can now include a healthy pudding of yoghurt and fruit if you feel your baby is still hungry after meals.

Foods can now be a bit chunkier and slightly harder to enable the baby to chew. Again this depends on how developed the baby is and can differ from child to child. If your baby still struggles with the soft lumps ensure you stay at this stage until they are completely confident to transition to the harder more lumpier foods.

A full variety of the following foods should now be given to the baby with foods chopped and given to allow the child to feed themselves:

  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Starchy foods
  • Protein
  • Dairy

Final stage- 12 months 

Now, the child should be fully weaned and able to eat solid foods. Children at 12 months can now be introduced to cows’ milk, and if the child has no reactions with cows’ milk this can be added in meals and at breakfast.

Try introducing:

  • Cows’ milk (in cooking or mixed with food)
  • Eggs (eggs without a red lion stamp should not be eaten raw or lightly cooked)
  • Foods that contain gluten, including wheat, barley and rye
  • Nuts and peanuts (serve them crushed or ground)
  • Seeds (serve them crushed or ground)
  • Soya
  • Shellfish (don’t serve raw or lightly cooked)
  • Fish

Top tip – allergenic foods should be introduced slowly as the child begins to try new foods. These foods can be introduced from 6months onwards gradually to eliminate any potential allergies. Here is a list of foods that could possibly trigger an allergic reaction. These foods must be given at home so the parents can observe the child for 24 hours to see whether a reaction occurs. Only then should the child attend nursery if they go to a nursery.

Foods to avoid when weaning

Babes shouldn’t eat honey until age one, and avoid salty foods and certain soft cheeses.

How to start weaning your baby

There are two main methods for introducing solid foods – Baby-Led Weaning or Spoon Feeding.

Baby-led weaning is when you give your baby finger foods and let them feed themselves, whereas spoon feeding is when you spoon the food into your baby’s mouth. You can’t go wrong with either method, or a combination of the two – whatever feels right for both you and your child.

Weaning is an important and exciting journey – introducing your little one to food – one of life’s real pleasures!

If you have more questions or need specific help for example if your baby was born prematurely, always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment. This blog should not replace professional medical advice.

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