M&B TV Video: How To Wean Your Baby From Milk To Solid Food

Advice on moving your baby onto solids

By askamum

The weaning stage is a very special developmental milestone for you and your baby. Get great advice and information on what to feed your baby at which stage, get to understand which texture is right for which stage and what not to feed your baby.

MUM’S TOP WEANING TIPS
‘Because we were on such a tight budget I couldn’t spend money on a baby chair as well as a high chair, so Jude spent his first couple of months having meals in his car seat. It was familiar and propped him up nicely until he was ready to sit up in his high chair.’ Sally Denning, 26, from Sunderland, mum to Jude, 10 months.

‘Before I even tried giving Sasha her first spoonful of puree, I dabbed some food onto her high chair tray to play with. Just squishing and licking it meant the tastes were familiar when they came loaded on a spoon.’ Victoria Banyard, 32, from Leeds, mum to Sasha, three.

‘Spending my spare time steaming, pureeing and freezing perfect baby-sized portions for George sent me mad. I quickly started giving him the same food as us, just putting aside his portion before seasoning ours.’ Kirsty Atkins, 29, from Brighton, mum to George, four and Ella, 16 months.

‘My friend weaned her daughter on fruit purees then had a nightmare getting her to eat anything that wasn’t sweet. I started Callum on veg so he was keener to take stronger, savoury flavours and didn’t develop a sweet tooth.’ Caroline Marlow, 42, from London, mum to Callum, three.

YOUR ESSENTIAL WEANING KIT
The weaning spoon: Small-bowled spoons limit spillages and soft, plastic coatings are kind to teeny tiny sore gums.
 
The high chair: Choose one with a tray, so your baby can see and touch the food in front of her, or push her chair right up to the table for family meals.

The hand blender: An electric hand-blender saves time and effort when pureeing.

The cup: Introduce a cup as your baby eats more and takes less milk from the breast or bottle (she should still have 600ml a day or the equivalent in dairy products). Choose one that’s easy to hold and has a free-flow spout so baby can learn to sip.

NO-COOK MEALS ON THE MOVE
• Soft foods like bananas and avocados are perfect for mashing up when you’re out and about

• Scooping out a kiwi makes the perfect dessert

• Fresh fruit salads of chopped-up melon, grape and apple pieces are a healthy option

• Give your baby her very own crudités with carrot and cucumber sticks and ripe cherry tomatoes to chew on

• A dried fruit medley of raisins, apricot and apple rings makes a sweet treat