Weaning tips

If your baby refuses to eat, don’t panic! It’s completely normal. Babies don’t always want to eat for the first few weeks, or even first few months of you trying to wean them. Thankfully, breastmilk and formula feeds will give them all they need for up to a year so you don’t have to worry.

Trying out new textures can be funny the first couple of times. If your baby’s not keen on solid foods to begin with, you could always try slowly introducing them with some milky rice or porridge first. Keep reducing the amount of milk and adding in bits of fruit along the way, and your baby will soon be on the way to eating more solid foods.

Everyone loves finger food. And what better way to show your child that eating solid foods can be fun too. Cut food like bread, fruit and veg into different shapes and slices to add some excitement to more grown-up foods. There’s a reason egg and soldiers are such a hit!

Your baby looks to you to see how they should be behaving. If you’re feeling worried about mealtimes, it’s likely to rub off on them too. Make sure to relax and enjoy dinnertime, and your baby will too.

Everyone gets cross when they’re hungry. So if you’re trying to get your child to eat something new, it’s probably best not to do it when either of you have an empty stomach. Try giving your baby some milk an hour before trying any new food to keep the munchies at bay. They’ll feel a lot happier, and will be able to take their time.

Everyone loves finger food. And what better way to show your child that eating solid foods can be fun too. Cut food like bread, fruit and veg into different shapes and slices to add some excitement to more grown-up foods. There’s a reason egg and soldiers are such a hit!

Letting them get messy at mealtimes can help them to try different foods.

Pop a plastic sheet on the floor just before mealtimes to make cleaning up easier. You won’t need to fuss around your baby while they eat, or worry about cleaning up as much afterwards. A simple way of turning stressful mealtimes into more fun times.

Make life easy for yourself by freezing mashed up or blended portions of food ahead of time. You’ll get all the hard stuff done in one go, and have a good supply of baby meals on hand at all times.

Watching older babies or toddlers eat solids can come in very handy when you’re wee one is trying solids themselves. Your baby will see how it is done, and might want to try it out for themselves too!