As a parent it can always feel there is something new to learn, worry and think about. One of the main milestones in the first year is transitioning your baby over to food. To try and find out more about baby led weaning supplies, tips and advice, we’ve got this interview with Charlotte Stirling-Reed, The Baby and Child Nutritionist and expert at The Baby Show (www.thebabyshow.co.uk). Keep on reading to find out more and hopefully clear up some of the myths you might have read, or worries you might be feeling.
When to stop breastfeeding and start weaning?
Breastfeeding can continue for up to two years of age or beyond, or for as long as you and your baby would like. However, it’s important to begin introducing solid foods into your baby’s diet around 6 months of age, while continuing to breastfeed. Babies need solid foods to help top up their nutrition and energy, and to learn to eat and explore a wide variety of foods, flavours, and textures.
Up until 10-12 months of age, breastmilk will still provide a significant source of nutrition for babies, so try not to worry too much about how much your little one is eating in the early months of weaning. Babies all take to weaning at completely different paces. However, establishing a routine around when you offer solid foods can help with their acceptance.
How much food should my baby be eating a day?
There are no recommended portion sizes for babies under 1 year as they really are all SO different. Babies are really good at knowing themselves when they are hungry and when they are full, so it’s important to follow their lead when it comes to how much they want.
At around 6 months, your baby will just be starting on solids, and I usually recommend starting with one meal a day, and just single flavours – e.g. veggies for the first 10 or so days.
By around 8-9 months, your baby may be eating 3 meals a day and having more “balanced” meals, with more variety of foods and each of the main food groups. Don’t worry if your baby isn’t there yet – all babies are different and they all take to weaning at their own pace, so try to allow them to take the lead with the weaning journey as much as you can.
By around 10-12 months of age, solid food is likely to become the main source of nutrition for your little ones, alongside continuing to breastfeed if you and your baby want to. Your baby will likely be eating 3 meals a day at this stage and hopefully moving on to “family style meals” which aren’t mashed or pureed.
Do babies need teeth to start solids?
Babies don’t need teeth to be able to break down and swallow foods, and they can manage quite a variety of foods with their hard gums, as long as they are appropriately prepared. 6 months is still right at the very beginning of weaning, and so we’re not necessarily expecting a lot of food to be swallowed at each mealtime. It’s all about experimenting, exploring and getting used to all of the different sensations involved with solid foods.
What are some good baby led weaning supplies?
When it comes to baby led weaning supplies, the below will help make the transition from milk to food that bit easier. We also recommend these highchair toys to keep your little one amused while you’re preparing their food!
Feeding Essentials
- High Chair
- A sturdy, easy-to-clean high chair with a footrest and adjustable tray is ideal. Look for one with minimal crevices where food can get trapped. We recommend the Stokke Tripp Trapp that grows with your baby.
- Buy here
- Bibs
- Long-sleeve waterproof bibs or silicone bibs with a food catcher are great for minimizing mess.
- Buy here
- Plates and Bowls
- Divided suction plates or bowls can help keep food in place and reduce spills.
- Buy here
- Utensils
- Baby-sized spoons and forks with soft, easy-to-grip handles are perfect for little hands.
- Buy here
- Cups
- Open cups or weighted straw cups are great for teaching babies to drink independently.
- Buy here
Food Prep and Storage
- Steamer or Blender
- A steamer is excellent for softening vegetables, and a blender is handy for making smoothies or purees as needed.
- Buy here
- Food Storage Containers
- Small, freezer-safe containers are useful for batch cooking and storing leftovers.
- Buy here
- Silicone Ice Cube Trays
- Perfect for freezing small portions of food.
- Buy here
Charlotte will be speaking on stage at The Baby Show which returns to the ExCel London 7th-9th March and the NEC Birmingham 9th-11th May. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk/. If you’re baby weaning your little one, what are some tips you have? Or any questions? Let us know!
