feeding
time
Once your little one reaches six months, he'll start to need more than just breast milk or formula. Weaning can be incredibly rewarding, as your baby learns to eat solid foods. Follow our guide for stress-free mealtimes
when should I start weaning?
Most babies are ready to start solids at around
six months. Before this, breast milk or formula
meets all their nutritional needs (babies are
unable to digest anything else until around four
months), and the Department of Health
recommends waiting until six months to reduce
the risk of developing food allergies. Signs to
look out for are your little one showing interest
in what you're eating; waking at night after having
previously slept through; wanting to chew (but be careful not to confuse this with teething); or still seeming hungry after a feed, even when you've increased his milk intake. If you think your baby is ready for solids before six months, ask your health visitor for advice.
Start with baby rice mixed with breast milk or formula, then move on to pureed cooked vegetables like potato, carrot and parsnip, and mashed or pureed fruits such as banana, avocado and pear. While bought baby food in jars is a convenient option, it's a good idea to make your own - that way you know exactly what's gone into it (and never add any salt or sugar).
Cooking in batches rather than rustling up something from scratch at every meal can help make life easier. You can freeze most weaning foods in small pots or ice cube trays, then defrost a couple at each mealtime. You should offer your baby cooled, boiled water in a sterilised beaker, or follow-on milk can be a good booster while he's weaning. If you've been breastfeeding for six months, you should also consider giving him vitamin drops - check with your health visitor. Find out more about baby nutrition at
www.nhs.uk/livewell
Small weaning bowls and lids
Bright Newborn
Bibs - 5pk 
Philips AVENT solid
feeding starter set
how do i do it? 
Set aside plenty of time. Pick a time of day when you're both calm and relaxed. Giving your baby
part of his milk feed first will mean he's not too distracted by hunger. Make sure you have everything you need to hand. Clean and sterilise your baby's bowls and spoons - you should use
only soft plastic spoons, not metal, for the first 12 months. A coverall bib will help protect his clothes. Spoon a few teaspoonfuls of baby rice or puree into a plastic bowl. You can serve it at room temperature or warm it gently
(but always test it before offering it to him). Sit your baby upright in his highchair. You may find it easier to use a highchair with different backrest positions and an adjustable tray. To find out more about highchairs see our catalogue or www.mothercare.com. Start by offering small amounts, just a teaspoon or two, on the tip of the spoon. When your baby opens wide, pop it into his
mouth with lots of encouragement, smiles and praise. Don't worry if he spits it out or pushes the spoon away. Persevere and keep chatting and smiling, but never try to force-feed
your baby. If he starts crying, clamps his mouth shut or turns away, he's had enough. Milk is still his main source of nutrition, so
don't worry - just try again tomorrow.
you may also be interested in these products...
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Essential Bowls - 3 pack£ 2.99
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Soft Weaning Bibs - 4pk£ 4.99
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Mothercare Tiny Dining Apple Cube Freezer Tray£ 9.99
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Mothercare Tiny Dining Long Weaning Spoons - 3pk£ 3.99
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