Deciding when to start weaning your baby (introducing non-milk foods) can be confusing for parents - what foods should I give them, how do I know if they’re eating enough - are the type of questions you may be asking yourself.

Moving on from breast or formula milk feeding to eating solids and participating in family meals is a significant change for both your baby and you. It will happen gradually and at the pace that you and your baby are comfortable with - try not to compare your baby’s progress with others - it is an individual experience for everyone.

When to begin

At approximately six months old, you can start introducing ‘solid’ foods (which are actually semi-liquids at this early stage). By this time, breast or formula milk alone isn’t providing your baby with enough nutrients, particularly iron. (Solid food should not be introduced before the end of your baby’s fourth month (17 weeks). If you do decide to start weaning before six months, you should consult your health visitor for advice, particularly if your baby was born prematurely).

The signs

There are some usual signs to look out for that indicate that your baby is ready to try a mixed diet (of both milk and pureed foods):

• Can hold their head up
• Can sit up well (whilst supported if needed)
• Wants to chew and may even have one or two teeth already
• Is interested in what you’re eating (watches you closely whilst you’re eating, may try to grab food from your plate, etc)
• Is still hungry after a feed and despite receiving more milk feeds (monitor over a few days as could just be a growth spurt)
• Has gained a healthy weight (babies are generally ready to eat solids when they’ve doubled their birth weight, which happens at around six months)

If you are breastfeeding your baby, weaning onto solid foods doesn’t have to mean the end of breastfeeding. Continue for as long as you feel comfortable, milk should continue to be given until your child is at least 12 months old. Until your baby is eating three meals a day, milk is supplying them with much needed vitamins, iron and protein. However, your baby will obviously require less milk, now that they are filling-up on solids.

Source: Parentline Plus October 2007

Local Groups & Workshops

Groups and workshops give you the opportunity to share your experiences with other parents and discuss fresh ideas on how you and your children can make the most of life. For further information on local contacts and groups in your area contact:

Health Visiting Teams

• Brixham: 01803 853374
• Torquay South: 01803 219810
• Torquay North: 01803 327855
• Paignton: 01803 696783

For under 5s

• Torquay Sure Start Children's Centres: 01803 329666
• Paignton and Brixham Children's Centre: 01803 556081

Cluster Teams

Visit the Cluster Teams page for further information on the four teams in Torbay.

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