Weaning

There are two methods of weaning; baby led weaning or the traditional weaning method which involves feeding purees. Babies are usually weaned at around six months of age, although this may differ, based on the age recommendation set by your child's health care professional or health visitor.

 

It is essential, that once you begin the weaning process. you incorporate healthy and nutritious choices.  By doing so, your child learns to accept these foods as part of their everyday diet. Most importantly, incorporate fruit and vegetables into your baby’s diet.

 

 

Baby led weaning

​

• Baby led weaning, is sometimes referred to as BLW, and begins with the introduction of a variety of safe and appropriate finger foods.

• This approach differs from the traditional approach of spoon feed pureed foods.

• Advocates of baby led weaning explain how this approach provides babies with the opportunity to explore food textures, particularly fruit and vegetables, for themselves.

• As a result, babies are familiar with a variety of healthy foods early on.

• BLW also supports babies to develop a pincer grip, refined fine motor control and hand eye coordination. 

• BLW require time and patience as your baby explores new textures and tastes. Very close adult supervision is essential at all times.

• BLW accessories can be purchased, allowing for easier and safer exploration of new foods.

 

Traditional Weaning Approach

 

• This approach involves a range of pureed foods which are spoon fed to your baby.

• Fruit or vegetable purees are a healthy option and the texture can be altered by adding cooled boiled water, breast milk or formula milk. 

• A main meal could consist of a vegetable puree, followed by a fresh fruit puree.

• Vegetables always need to be washed, peeled, chopped, steamed and then liquidised in a liquidiser. 

• Ensure the fruit or vegetables are blended up to a runny, paste like consistency.

• A food steamer and blender will make steaming and pureeing vegetables, fruit, and pulses easier. These foods can be introduced during the early stages of weaning.

• Through creating your own purees you provide your child with nutritious home cooked food without any additives.

• When you first start weaning you need to introduce new foods and tastes slowly perhaps just pureeing one fruit or vegetable such as a sweet potato or apple.

• As your baby becomes familiar with different tastes you can move on from single purees to combinations such as carrot with swede or red lentils and vegetables.

• Always check the temperature of purees yourself before feeding them to your baby.

• As your baby becomes use to new foods, you could start blending up the fresh foods you eat.

• Remember, never add salt to food as this can damage your baby’s kidneys.