When do I start?

Between 4-6 months.

When baby starts to show signals of being interested as..

How should I begin to introduce solids

There is no right  way to introduce your baby to solid foods. When you see the signs that your baby is ready you can begin giving your baby his or her first tastes of food. These taste are more a learing experience and shouldn’t replace any milk feeds.

Choose a time that is  convienient for you and when you are both relaxed

As your baby is used to the bland taste of milk, it is  often advisable to start weaning your baby with a bland texture and simular taste. A favourite is baby rice, which is ground rice with added vitamins and minerals that should be mixed with breast or formula milk or boiled cooled water. You can also give your baby small amounts of pureed fruit and vegetables, such as cooked apple or pear, carrot or potato.

Always check that warm foods are not too hot before giving them to your baby.

Offer your baby part of her usual breast  or formula milk so that she is not too hungry or frustrated to try new foods or too full to be interested. Give her about one or two teaspoons of baby rice mixed with breast or formula milk to make a soupy solution. Give this to your baby on a soft rubber-tipped spoon once a day and then finish with  the milk feed.

Next Steps

After sloppy rice, vegetables and fruit purees, one or two months later it is time to introduce thicker purees and lean meats.

Around the age of 6 months, baby starts to ‘gum’ his/ her foods. At this stage food of grated texture can be tried.

   Do...

1. Give your baby a variety of foods with a variety of taste but introduce one at a time for a few days.
2. Sieve, Liquidize or mash baby’s food first
3. Begin to introduce lumpier foods from 6 months
4. Freeze small portions of home-cooked foods as soon as it has cooled after cooking.
5. Enjoy meal times, go at your baby’s pace Make  it a sociale experience from beginning.
6. Use baby rice as a cereal up to 6 months
7. Introduce finger foods at around 6 months, toast, chapatti, fruit, and vegetables
8. Try and introduce meat or beans, pulses by 6 months

Don'ts...

1. Do not add sugar or salt to any foods or drinks
2. Do not give whole nuts before 5 years as baby may choke
3. Do not leave your baby alone when feeding or add any weaning  foods to the bottle
4. Do not rush a feed time with your baby