Baby Weaning - Nurturing Healthy Eaters

The NHS recommends starting weaning when your baby is around 6 months old. Until then, breast milk or formula is their primary source of nutrition, providing essential nutrients and fostering a strong bond between you and your little one. Waiting until they reach the 6-month mark also ensures that their digestive system is mature enough to handle solid foods.

At Hopscotch, we're dedicated to providing unwavering support throughout your weaning journey. Our team boasts years of expertise in successfully navigating a myriad of weaning challenges. Whether you're dealing with food intolerances or coaxing along a picky eater, when your little one embarks on their early years journey with us, we’re with you every step of the way.

We’ve compiled our best advice on making the weaning journey a fun and enjoyable experience.

Food Will Ignite Your Baby’s Senses - When introducing weaning foods to young babies, they naturally engage all their senses in the learning process. Babies use touch, through their hands and mouth, as well as their sense of smell, taste, sight, and even sound when they explore and suck on new foods. As you begin using a spoon, it's important it’s soft and smooth. Babies often position their tongue at the front of their mouth, which might initially impede the spoon's entry or cause them to move the food back to the front of their mouth, resulting in some of it being pushed out. Babies also tend to enjoy blowing raspberries with food in their mouths, so it's a good idea to be prepared for this playful behaviour.

First Steps - Introducing new foods to your baby's diet requires a gentle approach. Begin with single-ingredient foods and offer one new food at a time, with a few days' gap in between. This allows you to monitor for any potential allergies or intolerances.

Smooth and Mushy Textures - When you're ready to take the plunge, start with smooth and mushy textures. Pureed fruits and vegetables are fantastic choices. Apples, pears, bananas, and sweet potatoes are popular starters, bursting with vitamins and minerals. Avoid adding salt or sugar as your baby's delicate system isn't ready for those just yet.

Veggies, Veggies, Veggies! - We all know veggies can be a tough sell sometimes, even for adults! But it's essential to introduce a wide variety of vegetables early on. Your little one might make funny faces at first, but don't be discouraged. Keep offering different veggies and let them explore flavours and textures at their own pace. Who knows, they might just surprise you with their veggie-loving ways!

Finger Foods and Exploration - Around 7-8 months, your baby will be ready for some finger foods. These are easy-to-hold treats that allow them to practice their newly acquired pincer grasp. Cooked carrot sticks, slices of avocado, and soft fruit chunks are perfect options. It can get messy, but it's all part of the learning process.

No Strict Schedules - When it comes to weaning, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Every baby is unique, and they'll have their own pace and preferences. Some days they might gobble up everything on the plate, while on other days, they might be more interested in milk. Embrace the flexibility and let your baby guide you.

Introducing Water - Once solid foods are part of the menu, it's time to introduce water. A sippy cup with water will help them stay hydrated throughout the day. Avoid fruit juices and sugary drinks - water is all they need at this stage.

Take Pictures! - Weaning isn't just about introducing foods; it's also a wonderful bonding experience. Take pictures, laugh at those funny faces, and enjoy mealtime together. This is an opportunity to establish a positive relationship with food and encourage healthy eating habits from the beginning. It will also give you some great photos to look back on when they're older.

Conclusion -  Offering a diverse range of foods and letting your little one explore at their own pace will set the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Embrace this exciting journey and watch your baby blossom into a little foodie!

If you need support with weaning or have any additional questions, our staff are always on hand to give advice and guidance, where they can, to help you and your baby with your weaning journey. 

​To find out more about our settings, please get in touch!

Some of our favourite recipes...
Recipe and meal ideas for nurturing healthy eaters
www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/recipes-and-meal-ideas/