Starting your baby on solid foods

What is weaning?

Weaning means introducing food into your baby's diet as milk alone is no longer enough. Weaning is done in stages. At first, the food given should be runny, and then move on to thicker, smoother food. Remember, it will take time for your baby to get used to the new tastes, textures and variety of food.

When should I start?

You should start your baby on solid food no earlier than 18 weeks, and ideally by 6 months. There is no definite age for starting weaning.

Signs to tell you when your baby is ready:

• baby appears more hungry after milk
• more feeds are demanded. Baby starts waking during the night for a feed after previously sleeping through
• baby shows more interest in food
• baby shows an interest in chewing (toys, hands)

If you are unsure, ask your health visitor whether it is time to start weaning.

What time of day should I start weaning?

You should start at the time of day you feel your baby is most hungry and also when it is convenient for you. You may find your baby cries at first, this is due to the new situation. Don't worry, your baby will soon get used to food. Your baby may also refuse food at first. If this happens, take the food away and try with fresh food at next meal. There is good evidence that it can take up to 17 times before baby accepts some new tastes.

What foods should I start with?

After the milk feed, try with either:

• baby rice mixed with breast or formula milk
• fruit or vegetable puree mixed with breast or formula milk

Your baby's first foods should be smooth, lump free with a mild taste. The consistency should be similar to single cream. Your baby may only take a few teaspoons at first.

Should I give more if my baby wants it?

Yes. As your baby becomes used to the food, give extra at each mealtime. gradually increase the amount given and try different foods too.

Do I have to prepare special baby foods?

You can often use what the rest of the family is eating. At first all your baby's food must be mashed, sieved or blended so there are no lumps in it.

If you want to add salt or hot spices to the family's foods, take out your baby's portion first. DO NOT add salt to your baby's food. Baby's kidneys cannot cope with too much salt. Try not to add sugar to your baby's food as this encourages a preference for sweet foods.

Homemade food can be frozen and kept for a month only. Reheat thoroughly before using and discard any food not eaten.

Is ready prepared baby food OK?

Packet, tinned or jar baby foods can be useful. Tins or jars may be served warm or cold. To warm through, spoon the required amount into a clean bowl. Stand the bowl in warm water. Do not let the food get too hot.

Any food left in the tin should be put into a bowl, covered and refrigerated. Any food left in the jar should have the lid screwed back on and refrigerated. Food that has not been used after 48 hours should be discarded.

What should I give my baby to drink?

Breast or formula milk made with cooled boiled water is recommended for babies under one year old. Cow's milk can be used as a main drink after one year. When baby is seven months old water from the tap can be used for drinks.

If you decide to give baby juice or fruit juice, it is best to give it unsweetened and well diluted. It is best to limit these drinks to meal times. Sugary drinks can lead to tooth decay especially if drinks are in bottles between meals or used as comforters at night. Introduce your baby to a cup from 6 months of age. Offer water from a child's beaker or open cup at meal times. Aim for your baby to have all their drinks from a cup by their first birthday.

Are there any foods I shouldn't give my baby?

If you choose to feed your baby on solid food before 6 months, give fruit or vegetable puree or baby rice only.

Honey and soft unpasteurised cheeses should not be given to babies under one year of age. Very occasionally, they can contain bacteria that can cause serious illness.

Low fat foods are not suitable for weaning as they are low calorie. Remember to check the food label.

What about vitamins?

Some babies need extra vitamins from one month. You can get vitamins suitable for babies from your health visitor, baby clinic or doctor. It is recommended that vitamins be given until your child is 5 years old. Ask your health visitor for more information.

Getting Started

You may find the following useful when preparing your own weaning foods:

• A fork or potato masher for mashing foods like potatoes or bananas
• A metal sieve can be used to get an even puree texture. Just push cooked food through and collect in a bowl underneath.
• An electric or hand held or baby blender can also be used to puree foods.

Choose a time of day when you and your baby are relaxed and not in a rush. Sometimes, the middle of the day is the best time to start. make sure your baby is in a sitting position. Try giving a little milk feed first to settle your baby. Then try some pureed food from a soft plastic weaning spoon. Remember, babies need to try different tastes, so vary the food you give.

Your baby will need less breast or formula milk as the amount of solid food eaten increases.

An ice cube tray is useful for freezing small portions of cooked baby food. Make sure you sterilise the trays first. When frozen pop out of the tray into a freezer bag and seal.

Do's and Don'ts

These do's and don'ts will help your baby have a healthy balanced diet.

• Do start with smooth puree first (first stage)
• Do move on to thicker, mashed food (second stage)
• Do between 6-9months introduce finger foods e.g. bread, toast, low sugar rusk, cheese, pasta, crumpet, chapatti, soft piece of fruit, or pieces of soft cooked vegetables.
• Do cook eggs until both the egg yolk and white are hard
• Do give your baby a variety of foods for a wide range of tastes and textures
• Do sieve or liquidise all your baby's foods at first, then move on to mashed foods.
• Do give breast or formula milk as the main drink until your baby is one year old
• Do introduce your baby to a cup from 6 months
• Do sterilise your baby's bowls and spoons until baby is 7 months old
• Do encourage your baby to feed him or herself. This will be mess and take longer but it is important for development
• Do in hot weather give extra fluids. Breast and formula milk or water are best.
• Don't leave your baby alone while bottle feeding or eating
• Don't add anything to milk in the bottle
• Don't add sugar to any drinks. This encourages a sweet tooth
• Don't add salt to food. Baby's kidneys cannot cope with too much salt
• Don't give sweets or chocolates. Too many sugary and fatty foods may cause tooth decay and may increase the risk of your baby becoming overweight.
• Don't give whole nuts before 5 years as your child may choke. Finely chopped and ground nuts e.g. smooth peanut butter or ground almonds may be given

IF there is a known family history of allergy, speak to your health visitor, doctor or dietitian before giving your baby nuts.

Preterm infants

Preterm infants are a special case and the advice should be sought from the dietitian and medical team who are caring for them. See the below link for more information.

 Useful links

1. The Food Standards Agency on weaning

2. The Healthy Start program

3. The Premature Baby Charity