Baby weaning: getting started

Everything moves so fast when you have a baby. One minute they're lying secure on their back, the next they've learnt to roll over. It's the same when it comes to feeding. If your baby is 6 months old you'll need to start thinking about introducing solids.

1. Pick a time when you are both relaxed for your first attempt. It's best if your baby isn't too hungry so give it a go at lunchtime rather than first thing in the morning.
   
   
2. Start with baby rice - it's got a similar taste to milk and has quite a bland texture.
   
   
3. Cover up and sit him on your lap. Babies need to learn how to push food to the back of their mouth with their tongues and swallow it - this could get messy!
   
   
4. Begin with a spoonful of baby rice. Mix it with some of your baby's milk. It should have the consistency of a runny yoghurt.
   
   
5. At the beginning, start off with her normal milk and then try the baby rice. Finish the feed with more breast or bottle milk.
   
   
6. Don't overload the spoon with food. Use a shallow weaning spoon and allow your baby to feel the new texture of the food in her mouth before giving her another spoonful.
   
   
7. If your baby isn't keen on spoon-feeding, gently rub a clean finger with a small amount of food on it over his lips instead. Wait another day before trying again.
   
   
8. In the first few weeks, carry on with the milk feeds as normal. Your baby will need them as well as the solids you're introducing. 
   
   
9. Expect your baby to eat one to six teaspoonfuls per feed. Milk will remain her main source of nutrients until she's over a year.
   
   
10. After two weeks, try introducing other foods. Ideal first foods for purèes include pear, dessert apple, banana, carrot, sweet potato and butternut squash.
    
    
11. Avoid nuts, shellfish, exotic fruits, eggs and egg products and cows' milk as these could cause an allergic reaction.
    
    
12. Make sure the fruit and vegetables you have are fresh, and if possible, use organic produce.
    
    
13. Fruit tends to be sweeter than vegetables so introduce it later. Your baby may turn her nose up at veg if she develops a taste for sweeter foods first.
    
    
14. Wash any fruit or vegetables before cooking them, peel skins, and dice into small pieces. Cover with a little water and simmer, microwave or steam until tender.
    
    
15. After cooking fruit or veg, blend in a food processor until smooth or push through a sieve using the back of a spoon.
    
    
16. If the puree is still too lumpy, use some of the cooking water or her usual milk to thin the texture. It should be very sloppy.
    
    
17. Don't add salt to his food until after 12 months. Too much can strain his kidneys and cause dehydration. 
    
    
18. Make bulk portions and freeze individual servings in ice cube trays. Place the frozen cubes in a plastic freezer bag. Write the contents and date clearly on a label so you know when you prepared them.
    
    
19. Most fruit and veg can be safely frozen for up to two months.
    
    
20. If you're using jars of baby food, don't feed your baby straight from the jar as this contaminates the food. Transfer a small amount of the food into a separate dish instead.
    
    
21. Sterilise bowls and cutlery for babies under 6 months, and wash all equipment and utensils in boiling water.
    
    
22. Never refreeze foods once you've defrosted them. Throw away any leftover food.
    
    
23. Defrost the purèe thoroughly before serving, and microwave or cook until it's piping hot. If you heat the food in a microwave, make sure you stir well to avoid any hot-spots. Leave to cool before serving.
    
    
24. Test the food on your bottom lip first to make sure it won't burn your baby's mouth.
    
    
25. You can keep food in the fridge for up to 24 hours. After this, either eat the rest, freeze it or throw it away.
    
    
26. Try different combinations of foods to keep him interested. Our favourites include carrot and potato, parsnip and apple or mango and banana.
    
    
27. For an easy meal, mash up a banana or avocado and give your baby a few teaspoonfuls.
    
    
28. When your baby gets her first tooth, you can start introducing foods with a coarser texture.

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