Weaning is a gradual process, so be sure to go at your baby’s own pace. Some babies take to weaning quicker than others. At this stage, baby will need to get used to taking food from a spoon as well as working out what to do with it when it is in their mouth. This is not easy for baby so don’t be disappointed if they don’t accept much food. Baby will still receive most of their nutritional needs from breast milk, with a daily requirement of at least 5-6 breastfeeds or 500-600mls of formula.
- Aim to give solid food at just one meal to start with. Decide which daytime feed is most relaxed, for example at lunchtime when other siblings maybe at school.
- Give your baby about half the normal amount of milk to quench his thirst and satisfy some of his hunger. Then offer a very small amount of pureed food, about a teaspoonful.
- Prepare your own weaning foods from fresh ingredients. It’s easy and more nutritious. Blended vegetables or some baby rice mixed with breast or formula milk is ideal. Do not add any seasoning.
- You can make up a batch of puree and freeze in individual feed quantities. Ice cube trays or baby food pots are ideal for this.
- Do not worry if your baby appears to spit the food straight out. This is a completely new experience for baby. Just be patient and prepared for some mess - it will take some time for your baby to get used to this new and very different way of eating!
- Allow baby to play with the food and wait for them to open their mouths (don’t force the food on them). Baby should feel in control and comfortable. If they show no interest at all, simply try again at a later date.
Foods to Consider
The following table offers some suggestions regarding which foods to try and which to avoid.
Foods to Try
- Pureed bananas
- Pureed pears
- Pureed mangos
- Pureed potato, turnip or swede
- Pureed carrots
- Pureed broccoli
- Pureed cauliflower
- Stewed fruit purees with baby rice
- Porridge made with rice and breast or formula milk
Foods To Avoid
- Salt and spices
- Sugar and honey
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Shellfish
- Bread, cereal and pasta
- Cows’ milk
- Blue cheeses
- Spicy foods
- Sugary soft drinks
After a few weeks of introducing solid foods, you can gradually increase the amount of solid food from one feed to two or three. Continue to our stage 2 weaning section to find out more.