I frequently get asked for advice and information about weaning. Here is where I hold my hands up and say that I am not a weaning expert – I am just a mummy who weaned her children by the book then found my passion in creating and finding simple and healthy recipes. I try to answer all questions asked but as I don’t profess to know much about starting weaning I asked one of my friends Vikki Rose (from all All About Babies) who also happens to be a true weaning expert for her tips. So over to Vikki for her expert advice!

My Top Tips for Successful Weaning –  Vikki Rose, Allaboutbabies

Relax! Food is fun….

…Until around 9 months. The first few months of weaning are less about nutrition and more about allowing your baby the opportunity to explore a wide variety of tastes, textures and flavours. Don’t panic if it takes them a while to get going with food.

Start at a quiet time of day

I recommend introducing solids around midday/lunchtime. Aim for your little one to be hungry, but not starving, and certainly not tired. Sitting together to enjoy some food around 1-2hrs after a feed or bottle is an ideal way to get started.

Allow for self-feeding

I generally recommend parents allow their child to self-feed, however, it’s of course a personal choice. Self-feeding has a number of cognitive and developmental benefits for babies including coordination skills, oral motor development plus it allows babies and young toddlers independence and reduces mealtime battles. If you prefer purée to whole foods these can still be self-fed.

Offer some water

A little bit of water can aid digestion and help prevent constipation. I love these Babycups and Doidy Cups. If you need something with a lid I like the Tommee Tippee Sippy Cup. Don’t worry if it takes your little one a while to get going with water. They are still getting all the hydration then need from their milk.

Offer home-cooked food most of the time

Of course occasional jars or pouches are fine but be aware that a diet relying heavily on shop-bought baby food will never be as nutritious as one dominated by home-cooked foods. Food from pouches goes through ultra-heat treatment which involves boiling it at very high temperatures causing it to lose a lot of its nutritional content (whist retaining a lot of the sugars).  Jars often contain added sugar and salt.

Allow your baby to register when they are full

A self-feeding baby will be better able to register when full and stop eating. If you are spoon feeding take regular pauses to allow them the time to think and feel if they are full. Signs of being full and wanting to stop eating include;

• Keeping mouth shut.
• Pushing the spoon away or food onto the floor.
• Turning their head away.
• Spitting food out or holding food in their mouth.
• Seeming distracted and looking at other things in the room.

Don’t Panic

Weaning is a process. There is no one-size fits all approach. Some babies will get going very quickly other will take a month or two to really get going. The calmer you are, and the more relaxed and enjoyable you make meal times, the more likely she is to explore and engage with her food.

If you would like some more information on weaning including how to get started, foods to avoid, preventing fussy eating and more you might like to attend one of our popular Weaning Workshops. Click here for all the information or visit www.allaboutbabies.org.uk