Weaning is the stages of adding non-milk foods to your baby’s diet.

 It is not a precise activity and it includes getting pretty sloppy through trial and error, but it is a satisfying experience for you and also your baby, and necessary for their healthy expansion. The prevailing UK guidance is to adhere to breastmilk ( or formula if your baby isn’t breastfed ) for the 1st half a year. But babies ‘ wishes are individual – some need food a little earlier, and others are fine on milk for a little longer. You can offer your baby a selection of foods, so long as they will manage them. Lots of toddlers start with purees, but this is not necessary. From around half a year onwards, your baby can use her fingers and hands to bring food to her mouth, and this ‘baby-led ‘ weaning approach is an excellent method of helping her learn the link between taste, appearance and texture.

 First tastes of foods can include : Mushed and Mashed veggies, or gently cooked sticks , for example parsnip, carrot, courgette, potato or yam Mashed or chopped fruit such as pear, cooked apple, banana and mango Rice, cornmeal, millet or baby rice mingled with water or your infant’s usual milk If the food is hot, ensure you stir and test it before giving it to your baby it should be just about warm. Don’t add any foods to a bottle with milk, as it might cause your baby to gag or choke. Don’t force-feed her – if she does not appear to need the food or want it then just try again another day. Your baby will still want  breastfeeds formula milk as her most important source of food at this point.Preparing your own food for your baby is less expensive than purchasing pre-made jars, as it can be made in big quantities and frozen, and you know precisely what the ingredients are.

Weaning tips Don’t rush your baby – give her as much time as she must feed ensure you are both relaxed before starting to feed Feed your baby on your lap or in a high chair.

 When introducing new foods, try and mix them in with familiar ones Go at your baby’s pace and do not be upset if she refuses the food – she’ll become used to the idea in time the following few months attempt to increase the quantity of food your give your baby – give her solids for 2 of her meals everyday.

Other foods to try as your baby grows Beef ( including liver ) and chicken, Lentils ( dhal ) or split beats Milk products ( full-fat yoghurt, fromage frais, custard )

 Can babies eat everything? If your baby is  half a year or older, there aren’t any foods it can’t have, unless you know theres a danger of allergy. Stick to breastmilk or formula milk as a drink till your baby is a year old ( cow’s milk is fine in cooking, or to mix with other foods ). It’s doubtless  it would be sensible to avoid honey till your baby is one due to the minute possibility of botulism.

Don’t add any salt to your child’s food – if she is eating food prepared for all the family, ensure her portion has been put aside before you put salt and seaoning in the meal. You may wish to add small quantities of sugar may to take away the sharpness from fruit such as gooseberry and rhubarb, but avoid adding sugar to nutrition and drinks or just avoid tart foods in genral. Your well-being visitor can provide you with additional information, and check the Food Standards Agency internet site for any changes to official guidance