Let’s Talk Weaning
Weaning is the process of transitioning babies from breast milk or formula milk to solid foods. This usually begins when a baby is around 6 months old, although some babies may be ready to start earlier or later.
Tips for weaning:
Introduce solid foods gradually: Start by offering small amounts of pureed fruits and vegetables, and gradually introduce other foods
Offer a variety of foods: Make sure to offer a variety of foods to ensure that your baby is getting all the necessary nutrients.
Be patient: It may take some time for your baby to get used to solid foods, so be patient and don't force them to eat if they're not interested.
Let your baby guide the process: Let your baby take the lead when it comes to how much and how quickly they want to eat.
Offer water: Make sure to offer water in addition to breast milk or formula to keep your baby hydrated.
Gradually decrease breast milk or formula: As your baby starts to eat more solid foods, gradually decrease the amount of breast milk or formula they are drinking.
Remember, every baby is different and may have different preferences and needs when it comes to weaning. If in doubt, speak to your Health Visitor for advice. You can also attend one of our baby Stay and Play sessions and talk to one of our Early Years Practitioners for guidance. Never leave your infant unsupervised while eating.
Did you know?
Eating solid foods helps babies develop the motor skills necessary for chewing and swallowing, this is important for their speech and language development. Feeding themselves also helps them gain independence and develop fine motor skills.
Other benefits include:
Promoting Digestion: Chewing food thoroughly before swallowing helps prepare the digestive system for food.
Helps with Teeth Development: Chewing hard foods such as raw fruits and vegetables can help to promote the development of teeth and healthy tooth alignment.
Visit the NHS website for guides to weaning, including deciding when your baby is ready, recipe ideas and safety tips .https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaning/
Come along to our Baby Stay & Play sessions, you’ll have the chance to talk to our Early Year’s practitioners who can offer guidance and advice on weaning, learning and development and child development matters you’d like support with.
Baby Stay & Play sessions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. View our timetable here.
