For the first 6 months of life, the essential nutrients your baby needs come from breast milk. If breastfeeding is not possible commercial infant formula is the alternative. As they grow, their nutritional needs increase.
When your baby looks for extra feeds and starts to get interested in food, we naturally introduce solids. Weaning or complementary feeding is the gradual reduction of breast milk or formula that happens as they begin to eat solid food.
When to start weaning?
Most babies are ready to add solids to their breast milk or formula diet at around 6 months of age. Their stores of iron laid down during pregnancy, have now depleted. Their digestive system has matured enough to take on more complex nutrition than breast milk or formula.
Planning to wean gives you and your baby the time to prepare for the new routine. It's a simple process so a little knowledge goes a long way. However, starting solid foods is not recommended before 17 weeks unless advised by your healthcare professional.
Signs your baby is ready to wean
Every baby is unique; however, your baby will show you some clear signs from the list below they are ready for more than milk.
- They are sitting up: when they can support the weight of their head, they may be ready.
- Tongue-thrusting is the reflex of pushing food out of their mouth: when this stops, your baby will be able to bite and swallow so you can place a spoon in their mouth without them objecting.
- Your baby may start mouthing: grabbing anything they can and putting it into their mouth is their way of exploring the world. After 17 weeks, they may be ready for food and keen to experiment with textures and tastes.
- They show interest in the food you’re eating: if your baby is watching you eat or following the food you're holding, they probably want to join you.
How to get started
Their first taste is a big step so choose a time when you’re both happy and relaxed. Offer food to your baby after their breast milk or formula feed. If your baby refuses, simply try again the next day. Start with small amounts of one half to 2 teaspoons. Be patient and get ready for a mess. This is the reason baby bibs are so popular. Begin with a small meal a day and build up to 3 meals. Try a new food every 2 to 4 days.
What foods come first?
Expect a lot of advice from family and friends on what to feed them. Ensure iron-rich puréed foods are offered first . Iron-enriched infants' cereal mixed with breast milk or your baby’s formula, green leafy vegetables, puréed meat or poultry are a sound nutritional start.
What about milk-feeds?
Breast milk and formula contain the necessary nutrition for your baby and should remain alongside solid foods until they are at least 12 months old. Cow’s milk is not suitable as a main drink for babies under the age of 12 months as it does not contain all the key nutrients needed to help your baby grow and thrive.
Weaning can be a beautiful time
Weaning and introducing solids are big milestones in your baby’s development. It can be a fun, special time. As you watch your baby’s personality blossom, making choices about tastes and textures, you get a glimpse of their future. With so much to do at this stage of their lives, remind yourself to enjoy the funny faces, likes and dislikes and even the mess that comes with first foods.
We’re here to help
Our team of nutritionists and dietitians at Careline are healthcare professionals with big hearts. Specialising in infant and child health, they offer parents and carers, free nutrition, feeding and product advice with lots of moral support. Contact Careline team by phone, LiveChat or email.
Always consult your doctor, midwife or healthcare professional for advice about feeding your baby.
Every feeding journey is unique
Not every parent can breastfeed. Not every parent can produce breast milk. No matter what choice you make, we will support your unique feeding journey.
We at Nutricia believe in providing the best nutrition for babies, which is why we recognise breast milk as uniquely superior for babies, it provides many benefits. It is important that mums have a healthy diet to support breastfeeding. A decision not to breastfeed, or partial bottle feed, may reduce breast milk supply making it difficult to reverse. The cost and social implications of using feeding methods should be considered. Always seek professional for advice about feeding your baby. Ensure formula is used as directed as improper use can affect baby’s health.
Please note: These articles are meant to give you a general sense of the growth and development of your newborn baby. However, it’s important to remember that every baby grows and develops at their own pace. Material is for general purposes only and should not be considered healthcare advise.
Enjoy the journey!
