Jump to: Weaning | Getting Started | Foods To Avoid | Tips | Breakfasts
Before weaning your baby, always speak to your health visitor or doctor first.
All mums, particularly when embarking on weaning for the first time, quite naturally worry about giving their babies the right food at the right time. Weaning can be quite a daunting time and we want to follow the books, religiously!
However, you then have baby number two and it becomes a much more relaxed affair, and following the book goes largely out the window – you just don’t have the time. What we mums at Mums Spaghetti have found is that, for the most part, you can introduce your baby to family foods sooner than you might think. We want to share with you the recipes that have worked for us, our babies and toddlers and families that have saved time, money and effort and above all, are healthy and nutritional for your little ones and the rest of the family.
In this section you will find some general information about weaning (sourced from the NHS publication 267797/weaning). Remember, the best people to speak to about weaning your baby is your health visitor or doctor, they are there to help you through the weaning process and will give advice about your baby’s specific weaning needs.
What is weaning?
Weaning is when you gradually introduce a range of foods to your baby until they are eating the same foods as the rest of the family. “Your baby’s development from breast or formula milk feeding to sharing in the family meal is one of the first stages of growing up”. (NHS publication 267797/weaning)
When do I start?
The advice now is that you should start giving your baby solid foods when he or she is around 6 months old. At about 6 months babies are ready to be moved onto a mixed diet and there are some tell-tale signs that will suggest that your baby is ready for solids such as they can sit up, want to chew and are putting toys and other objects in their mouth and reach and grab accurately.
Why should I wait until my baby is 6 months?
Health experts agree that around 6 months is the best age for introducing solids. Before this, your baby’s digestive system is still developing and weaning too soon may increase the risk of infections and allergies. Weaning is also easier at 6 months. If your baby seems hungrier at any time before 6 months, they may be having a growth spurt, and extra breast of formula milk will be enough to meet their needs.
If you decide to wean at any time before 6 months, there are some foods that should be avoided so ask your health visitor for advice, especially if your baby was premature. Solid foods should never be introduced before 4 months.
