6 common questions about weaning

Weaning, or introducing solid foods to your baby, is an exciting but sometimes challenging milestone for parents.

As a parent, you may have questions about when to start weaning, how to know if your baby is ready, how to introduce solid foods, what foods are appropriate for weaning, and how to handle common challenges during the process.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover these common searches and provide you with valuable information to help you navigate the weaning journey with confidence.

1. When should I start weaning my baby?

The official recommendation from the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is to exclusively breastfeed or formula-feed your baby until around six months of age.

2. What are some signs that my baby is ready for solid foods?

Every baby is different, and some may be ready for solid foods a little earlier or later. Signs that your baby may be ready for weaning include:

• Sitting up with support and holding their head steady.
• Showing an interest in food when you eat, such as reaching for your food or opening their mouth when you offer a spoon.
• Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex, which means they no longer push food out of their mouth with their tongue.
• Adequate weight gain and good overall health.

If you notice these signs and your baby is close to six months of age, you can start introducing solid foods. It's important to consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for individualised guidance.

In addition, your baby should be able to close their lips around a spoon and swallow food instead of pushing it out with their tongue. Always observe your baby's cues and consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.

3. How do I introduce solid foods to my baby?

When you start weaning, it's important to go at your baby's pace and be patient. Begin with single-ingredient foods that are easy to digest, such as baby rice, pureed vegetables, or fruits. You can start with a small spoonful of food after a milk feed, when your baby is not too hungry or too full. Offer the food on a soft-tipped spoon and let your baby explore the taste and texture at their own pace.

As your baby gets used to solid foods, you can gradually increase the amount and variety of foods offered. It's important to offer a wide range of foods to ensure your baby gets a balanced diet. Avoid adding salt, sugar, or honey to your baby's food, as these can be harmful to their developing kidneys and teeth.

4. What are some appropriate first foods for weaning my baby?

There are many suitable foods for weaning, and it's important to offer a variety to ensure your baby gets all the nutrients they need. Some appropriate first foods for weaning include:

• Baby rice: A fine, smooth grain that can be mixed with breast milk or formula to create a runny consistency.
• Pureed vegetables: Such as carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash, which can be cooked until soft and then pureed to a smooth texture.
• Pureed fruits: Such as apples, pears, bananas, or avocados, which can be mashed or blended to a smooth consistency.
• Baby cereals: Specifically formulated for babies, these cereals are usually made from grains like rice, oats, or corn and can be mixed with breast milk or formula to create a runny texture.
• Cooked and mashed pulses: Lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes can be boiled until soft and then mashed to a smooth consistency for your baby.
• Soft cooked meats: Once your baby is ready for more textured foods, you can offer them small pieces of well-cooked and finely minced meats, such as chicken or beef, to provide them with important protein and iron.

Remember to always introduce one new food at a time and wait a few days before offering another new food. This allows you to monitor for any potential allergies or reactions. If you have a family history of food allergies, it's especially important to consult with your healthcare provider before introducing allergenic foods, such as peanuts or eggs, to your baby.

5. What are the common challenges during the weaning process?

Weaning can come with its fair share of challenges:

• Refusal to eat: It's common for babies to initially reject or spit out new foods. Be patient and keep offering the food in a relaxed and positive environment. Try offering the food at different times of the day when your baby may be more receptive to eating.
• Messy eating: Weaning can be messy, as babies are still learning how to eat. Be prepared for food messes and use bibs, high chair covers, and easy-to-clean feeding utensils to make cleanup easier.
• Changes in bowel movements: As your baby's diet changes, their bowel movements may also change. It's normal for babies to experience changes in the frequency, consistency, and colour of their stools during weaning. If you have concerns about your baby's bowel movements, consult with your healthcare provider.
• Sleep disruptions: Some babies may experience changes in their sleep patterns during weaning. They may be more hungry or uncomfortable, which can affect their sleep. Stick to your baby's regular sleep routine and offer additional milk feeds if needed to help them through this transition.

6. How else can I support my baby during the weaning process

 Here are our top tips for supporting your baby during the weaning process:

• Use appropriate feeding utensils: As your baby progresses in their weaning journey, transition from spoon-feeding to offering finger foods and using appropriate feeding utensils, such as baby-safe spoons and forks. This encourages self-feeding and develops fine motor skills.
• Consider friendly bacteria for infants: Friendly bacteria that can support gut health. Some parents choose to use infant-specific probiotics, which can help support your baby's developing gut microbiome during the weaning process. We recommend Baba West Bifikalm, which can be used from birth up to 12 months and contains two strains of bacteria, both have been clinically proven to be safe and are naturally present in a healthy infant's gut microbiome.
• Be patient and persistent: It's common for babies to be fussy or reluctant to try new foods during weaning. Be patient and keep offering a variety of foods, even if your baby initially rejects them. It can take several tries before they develop a liking for certain foods.
• Create a positive eating environment: Make mealtimes enjoyable for your baby by creating a pleasant and relaxed eating environment. Sit down together as a family, minimise distractions, and offer plenty of encouragement and praise for their efforts.
• Monitor for allergies or intolerances: Be vigilant for any signs of food allergies or intolerances, such as rash, hives, vomiting, diarrhoea, or persistent fussiness. If you suspect your baby may have a food allergy or intolerance, stop offering the suspected food and consult with your healthcare provider.
• Stay hydrated: Offer breast milk, formula, or water to keep your baby hydrated during the weaning process. Adequate hydration is important for their overall health and wellbeing.
• Seek guidance from healthcare providers: Always consult with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized advice and guidance on weaning, including the use of probiotics or other supplements for your baby.

Weaning is an important milestone in your baby's development, and it's normal to have questions and face challenges along the way. By following the signs of readiness, introducing appropriate first foods, and being patient and observant, you can successfully navigate the weaning process. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance, and enjoy this exciting stage of your baby's journey into solid foods!