And So It Begins…Navigating the Exciting World of Weaning

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Introducing a baby to solid foods, or weaning, is an exciting voyage into the world of flavours, textures, and delightful discoveries! We have recently started and are already finding it to be a fantastic adventure. It has raised a fair few questions from both me and my partner and so we have done lots of research on the topic. If you are also about to start your weaning journey, fret not, because in this guide, I’ve set out an overview to help you navigate the world of weaning with a big smile, offering tips and insights to make the process as enjoyable and nourishing as possible.

The Perfect Time to Dive In

One of the first questions parents often ask is when to start weaning. While every baby is unique, most paediatricians recommend beginning the weaning process around six months of age. It's the time when your baby's tummy is more ready for culinary exploration, and they show cute signs of readiness, like sitting up with support, showing a keen interest in food, and saying goodbye to the tongue-thrust reflex. We started weaning a little before six months as I was going to be away for a night and we were struggling to get our daughter to take milk from anything or anyone that wasn’t me. As it happens, she was more than ready to get going - in fact, we are lucky she didn’t eat the bowl and spoon too!

Gear Up for the Adventure

Before you set sail on this weaning journey, make sure to gather your treasure chest of tools: baby-safe spoons, small bowls, training cups and a trusty blender or food processor to whip up those baby delights.  You can also get bowls that suction to the table if little hands are likely to be getting involved and knocking things onto the floor! We tend to make a few portions of food at a time and use a Froothie Blender if we are after a smooth texture. For foods that can be a choking hazard, we were gifted a Fresh Fruit Feeder pacifier which we have found pretty useful. It's also vital to create a joyful and serene feeding environment. Weaning is all about adventure and discovery, so try to make mealtime a grand and pleasurable experience perhaps by singing songs and playing games whilst trying out the foods.

Choosing the Right Foods

The first foods you introduce should be gentle on your baby's tummy. Single-ingredient purees like sweet potatoes, peas, or mashed bananas are great picks. Remember, you shouldn’t add salt, sugar, or spice to your baby's meals at this stage although most dried and fresh herbs are fine if you would like to give them a go. Our daughter was a huge fan of ‘mixed spice’ added to her mashed banana and cinnamon added to mashed apple. I often whip up my baby's meals at home but you can also pick up specially crafted baby foods from stores. Always check the labels to ensure they're age-appropriate. If you are making your own purees at home and intend to feed them to your baby on the go, reusable baby food pouches are a great idea.

Something of which I was completely unaware when I first started feeding our baby solid food was that you should avoid honey. This should be a given as sugar generally should be avoided (it will also help to prevent tooth decay). However, honey, in particular can occasionally contain bacteria that can produce toxins in a baby's intestines, leading to infant botulism, which is a very serious illness so you should refrain from feeding it to your baby until they're over 1 year old.

Texture Time

As your baby becomes a taste explorer, it's time to add some texture to the adventure. Start with slightly thicker purees and eventually move on to mashed or finely chopped foods. Soft fruits, veggies, and well-cooked pasta are fantastic options for these transitional stages. Let your baby get hands-on with the textures and flavours at their own pace.

My baby was particularly keen on pureed banana with mixed spice

Spice it Up with Variety

Variety is the spice of weaning! Introduce your baby to a wide range of fruits, veggies, grains, and proteins. This introduces them to various tastes and nutrients while also helping their palate grow. One new food at a time is the rule – and keep an eye out for any potential allergies or sensitivities. The most common food allergies in babies and young children seem to be milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts such as hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds so you should be particularly careful with these foods.

Follow your Baby's Lead

Your baby is the captain of this weaning ship! Watch for their cues and signals. If they turn away, lose interest, or reject food, it might mean they're full or not vibing with that particular food. On the other hand, an eager baby who leans forward, opens wide, and reaches for the spoon is probably having a blast. Respect your baby's appetite and taste preferences but don’t give up on flavours immediately - it may be that your baby doesn’t fancy a particular meal one day but would give it another go in future.

Stay Patient and Foster Independence

Weaning can get a bit sticky, with food finding its way into all sorts of places. We’ve found that our little lady likes to get very messy with it so I strongly recommend a long sleeved coverall for dinner times. Keep your cool, stay patient and encourage your baby's independence by offering small mushy finger foods they can grab and explore themselves. These early self-feeding escapades are not only entertaining but also great for fine motor skills.

Transition with Love

Breast milk or formula is still the star of the show during the first year, even as you introduce solid foods. As your baby gets more comfortable with a variety of solids, you can slowly decrease milk feedings. Your paediatrician can give you the roadmap on when it's time to switch to whole milk or appropriate milk alternatives.

Safety First, Always

When it comes to introducing solids, safety is the number one ingredient. Avoid foods that might pose choking hazards, like whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, and hard sweets. Keep a watchful eye on your baby during mealtime and make sure they're safely seated in a high chair or booster seat. Never leave a weaning baby to eat whilst you are not giving them your attention.

Let's Celebrate the Journey!

Weaning is an exciting adventure that marks your baby's transition from a solely milk-based diet to exploring the wonderful world of food. It's a time to celebrate milestones and cherish every new taste your baby experiences. Be open to the messy moments, the food splatters, and the joyous giggles that come with this exciting journey.

In conclusion, first weaning is a remarkable journey for both you and your baby. It's a time of exploration, learning, and bonding. Embrace the adventure, stay patient, and enjoy the incredible moments of discovery as your baby embarks on their culinary voyage. Happy weaning!