Baby weaning; is it possible to do it with as little fuss as possible?
Yes! Here are ten tips for stress-free baby weaning:
1. Don’t Stress About The Mess
We know, we know – this advice is a lot easier said than done, especially if you love a tidy house! But baby weaning brings with it a LOT of mess, so it's important to be prepared. Invest in a wipe-clean floor mat and an easily-cleaned high chair. Don't feed them near white walls. Remember, most things come out in the wash.
2. Go With Your Gut
The idea of baby weaning can seem overwhelming at first, especially when it seems like you've only just established baby feeding and breastfeeding. There are three different approaches to baby weaning – purees (where you spoon- feed the baby pureed food) baby-led weaning (where the baby feeds themselves with more solid food) or a mixed approach. Read up on each and go for the one you think is best, not the one everyone tells you to do.
3. Change It Up
If you start on one approach and it doesn’t work for your baby, it’s OK to change it. Lots of babies prefer finger food to purees so some parents quickly move on to a mixed approach.
4. Start When You Are Both Ready
The current guidance states that you should wait until six months to start due to health reasons related to the gut. However, it doesn’t mean you have to start on the day they turn six months – especially if you feel like they are not ready and want to wait a week or so. *Always* consult your doctor or health visitor if you’re not sure.
5. Be Aware Of The Guidelines
Make sure you are up-to-date with the most current NHS weaning guidelines. Due to the risk of botulism, don’t give your child honey until they are a year old. You can give your six-month-old eggs in any way, shape or form as long as they are well cooked. From one year of age your child can eat brie, camembert and other mould-ripened soft cheeses (made with pasteurised milk). From six months old, babies can have cow’s milk added to their food. From the age of one they can have full-fat milk as a main drink
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