What to expect during Weaning
‘Feeding your child is an adventure my advice is to embrace the ups and downs’. Siobhan Berry, the author of "Mummy Cooks Baby & Family; Cook for family, adapt for baby” recipe and advice book, provides valuable insights and guidance on this journey. Here's what you can generally expect during weaning:
Introduction of Solid Foods:
Weaning usually begins around 5 or 6 months of age, when babies start showing signs of readiness such as being able to sit up unsupported and showing
interest in food. The process starts with introducing simple, purèed foods such as fruits and vegetables.
Gradual Transition:
Weaning is a gradual process. Initially, its recommended to start with one meal and gradually increase to three meals. As they grow, solid foods will gradually become a more significant part of their diet, and milk feeds will decrease in frequency.
Texture Progression:
As babies become accustomed to eating solid foods, textures can be gradually introduced. This might involve moving from smooth purées to mashed or finely chopped foods and eventually to finger foods that they can pick up and eat themselves.
Nutritional Balance:
Weaning is an opportunity to introduce a variety of nutritious foods into a baby's diet as well as getting baby used to different tastes so that they eat a wide variety of
foods from one years of age.
Responsive Feeding: Pay attention to your baby's cues during feeding. Let them guide the pace and amount of food they eat. Some days they may eat more than others, and that's normal.
Family Meals:
Encouraging family meals can help babies learn about different foods and eating habits. In the Baby & Family Recipe book you will find lots of family food ideas that can be blended and made suitable for baby. Sitting together during meal times also fosters social interaction and can make feeding a more enjoyable experience for babies.
Safety Precautions:
Always ensure that foods are prepared and served safely, avoiding choking hazards such as whole nuts, large chunks of food, or foods with sharp edges. Supervise babies closely while they are eating.
Patience and Persistence:
Every baby is different, and it may take time for them to adjust to eating solid foods. Be patient and persistent, offering a variety of foods and flavors to help them develop a taste for different foods.
Breastfeeding/Formula Feeding:
It's important to note that breastfeeding or formula feeding should continue alongside solid foods until at least 12 months of age. Breast milk or formula still provides essential nutrients and hydration for babies during the weaning process.
Siobhan Berry is founder and creator of the popular website Mummy Cooks. The Mummy Cooks mission is to empower and educate parents about feeding their children healthy, homemade food so their little ones grow into happy, healthy, adventurous eaters. Mummy Cooks is an international online business offering advice, recipes and award-winning feeding and weaning
products. Siobhan is certified in infant nutrition and SOS trained in feeding a fussy or problem feeder.
Siobhan has written two books; her first Baby & Family recipe book is heralded as the weaning bible for families starting out on their exciting journey. More recently Siobhan published her
second book, Lunchbox Made Easy to help parents navigate the tricky area of feeding older
children.
Baby & Family Recipe Book
Weaning Starter Set
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