Take the stress out of baby's first meal

Cover your furnishings – your little one’s ready for his first meal. But weaning needn’t be a food fight with our must-read guide

Typical. No sooner have you mastered breast or bottlefeeding than your tot’s ready for his first solid meal. The World Health Organisation says that ideally your baby shouldn’t be weaned until six months, but how do you know when he's ready and then how do you get him to eat without food flying up the walls? Worry no longer. Read our guide to stress-free meal times.

HOW WILL I KNOW HE'S READY?

Your baby will probably let you know when he’s ready for solids. He may still seem hungry after his milk, or start waking at night when previously he slept through.

He may take an interest in your food, too – watching you eat, making chewing motions or trying to grab food off your plate. Don’t leave weaning any later than six months – the stores of iron he was born with will start to run out, and milk alone won’t meet his nutritional needs.

Once your baby has started solids, you’ll be surprised how quickly his appetite grows. By about eight months, he should be ready for finger foods – bite-sized chunks that he can feed himself.

He’ll probably want his own spoon between nine and 12 months, but it may be a while before he develops the coordination to get it from bowl to mouth!

6 TIPS TO MAKE BABY'S FIRST MEAL A BREEZE

1. Choose your moment. Make sure you’re both relaxed, and he’s not too tired or hungry. Lunchtime is ideal – breakfast can be too hectic, and a first meal at suppertime can disturb his bedtime routine.

2. Take the edge off his appetite by giving him a little milk first – for now, you just want him to get used to the taste and texture of solids, not give him a full meal.

3. Sit him in his highchair. Try to minimise distractions like the TV.

4. Start with baby rice. Mix it with breastmilk or his usual formula – it should be lukewarm, not hot.

5. Put a tiny amount in his mouth using a weaning spoon. If it comes straight back out, try again, as long as he’s not upset. Smile, chat and tell him how yummy it is.

6. Don’t overdo it. A few mouthfuls is plenty at first. Be guided by him – it’s quite normal for him to want several spoonfuls one day, and nothing the next. Continue to give him at least 600ml of milk a day.

WEANING ACCESSORIES SHOPPING LIST.

• Unbreakable plastic bowl
• Weaning spoon – a plastic one with soft, rounded edges is kind to gums
• Fork, sieve or blender for pureeing and mixing
• Bibs
• Highchair
• Splash mat or newspaper to protect the floor
• Sterile containers with lids for storing foods

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