Weaning is a huge milestone in your baby’s development. Moving from milk to solid foods opens up a world of flavors, textures, and nutrition. But if you’re a new parent, it can be a little daunting knowing where to begin! What foods are best to start with? When is the right time to introduce solids? Let’s break it down for you.

When to Start Weaning?

The recommended age to start weaning is around six months. At this stage, your baby’s digestive system is more developed, and they can handle a variety of foods. It’s also a time when their nutritional needs begin to go beyond what milk alone can provide.

Signs your baby may be ready for weaning include:

• They can sit up with support and hold their head steady.
• They show interest in food, like watching you eat or reaching for food.
• They can coordinate their hands, mouth, and eyes to feed themselves.

Starting too early can increase the risk of choking or digestive problems, while delaying weaning beyond six months might mean your baby misses out on vital nutrients. The key is to introduce solid foods alongside breastfeeding or formula, allowing them to get used to new textures and flavors slowly.

Now, let’s dive into the top 5 best foods to start weaning your baby on!

1. Mashed or Pureed Vegetables

Vegetables are a fantastic first food for babies. They’re nutrient-dense and provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. Start with mild-flavored, easy-to-digest vegetables like:

• Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene (which converts to vitamin A), carrots support healthy vision and immune function.
• Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet and soft, sweet potatoes are a baby favorite. They’re high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Butternut Squash: Full of vitamins A and C, squash is easy on the tummy and has a creamy texture.

Introduce veggies one at a time, so your baby can get used to each flavor. Steamed and mashed to a smooth consistency is best for those first few tastes.

2. Mashed or Pureed Fruits

Fruits are naturally sweet and provide essential vitamins, making them a popular weaning choice. Start with fruits that are soft and easy to mash or blend:

• Bananas: Full of potassium and fiber, bananas are soft and gentle on the stomach. They also come in their own natural packaging—easy to take on the go!
• Avocados: Packed with healthy fats that support brain development, avocados are creamy and rich, perfect for your baby’s developing taste buds.
• Apples or Pears: These fruits are gentle on the digestive system, especially when steamed and pureed to a soft consistency.

Just like with vegetables, introduce fruits one by one and mix them with a little breast milk or formula for a familiar flavor.

3. Baby Rice or Oat Porridge

Iron is a crucial nutrient that babies need from around six months, and baby rice or iron-fortified cereals are a great way to introduce it. These cereals are mild and can be mixed with breast milk or formula to create a smooth, easy-to-eat texture.

• Baby rice: Gentle on the stomach and easy to digest.
• Oat porridge: High in fiber and rich in nutrients like iron, oats provide lasting energy and a great texture when mixed with milk or mashed fruit.

Always check that any cereals you choose are suitable for babies and free from added sugar or salt.

4. Full-Fat Yogurt

Introducing dairy is another key part of weaning, and full-fat natural yogurt is a great place to start. Yogurt is rich in calcium, important for developing strong bones and teeth. The natural probiotics in yogurt are also beneficial for gut health, aiding digestion and boosting the immune system.

Look for plain, unsweetened varieties and avoid anything flavored with added sugar. You can always mix in a little mashed fruit to sweeten it naturally.

5. Protein-Rich Foods (Once Baby is Ready)

After introducing fruits, vegetables, and cereals, you can gradually start adding in more protein-rich foods. These can include:

• Lentils: A great source of protein, fiber, and iron, lentils are easy to mash and blend into other foods.
• Chicken or Turkey: These lean meats are gentle and easy to digest when pureed. They’re also an excellent source of protein and iron.

When introducing proteins, ensure the foods are well-cooked and pureed to avoid any choking hazards. Start with very small amounts and gradually increase as your baby becomes more comfortable with eating.

Tips for Successful Weaning

• Start Slow: In the beginning, your baby will still get most of their nutrition from milk. Solid foods are more about exploration at first.
• Offer Variety: Introduce a wide range of tastes and textures to help your baby develop a varied palate.
• Watch for Allergies: Introduce new foods one at a time and watch for any allergic reactions. Common allergens include eggs, dairy, and nuts, so be cautious when introducing these.
• Keep it Fun: Weaning is a time for exploration, so keep the experience positive! Don’t worry if your baby refuses food—offer it again another day and let them enjoy the journey.

Starting solids is an exciting and sometimes messy time, but it’s a big step in helping your baby grow and thrive. By choosing nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, cereals, and yogurt, you’ll give your little one the best start on their weaning adventure!  Remember to always seek advice from a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions regarding weaning for your child!

Happy weaning!