How to wean your baby successfully

When your baby is ready to move onto solid food it’s an exciting step on their developmental journey. Here are our top tips to make sure you get it right

Is my baby ready?

By six months, your baby will have all the necessary skills to move on to solid food – they’ll be able to sit upright with support, hold their head steady and can swallow food rather than push it out of their mouths. You might also notice your little one taking an interest when you’re eating – a sign they’re ready to try it for themselves.

What do I need?

A blender is great for purees as it can quickly pulp the food into a smooth texture. Other essentials include small storage pots for freezing your purees, a soft, small-headed spoon, a plastic bowl and a high chair. Lastly, you’ll need a bib and plenty of wipes – it’s about to get very messy!

What foods should I try first?

The first few weeks are about getting your baby used to swallowing. First foods should be easy to digest, so try single fruit and vegetable purees to begin with. Cooked carrot, parsnip, butternut squash and sweet potato purees are great first foods as they’re slightly sweet. You can also try cooked apple and pear or mashed raw banana.

Are there any foods I should avoid?

Don’t add any salt or sugar to your purees and don’t use honey until your baby is one. Eggs, meat and pasteurized cheese can be introduced after six months.

How do I make a puree?

Steaming the vegetables or fruit is the best way to preserve the flavor and nutrients, but if you don’t have a steamer just boil in a small amount of water. Once cooked, puree in a blender adding a bit of boiled water or breast milk until you get the desired texture. Make a big batch of each puree so you can freeze them in small portions and then defrost one when you need it.

Is any food actually getting in?

Don’t worry if more food ends up on the floor than in your baby’s tummy. These first few months are about getting them used to food and they’ll still be getting most of their nutrients from milk. It can take a baby up to 10 attempts to accept a new flavor, so don’t give up!

What is baby led weaning?

Some moms prefer to give their baby food they can pick up and eat for themselves, rather than pureeing. If you want to give it a go, try soft finger foods like cooked sticks of carrot, broccoli and chunks of banana or avocado.