Weaning

Weaning

Introducing a healthy, varied weaning diet will improve your little one’s eating habits for life. Have a read of the articles in this section to find out how to begin weaning, which foods you should include and avoid and try out some tasty weaning recipes.

What is the First 1000 Days?

1000 days. Doesn’t sound like an awful lot does it? But the fact is that the first 1000 days of your little one’s life are a uniquely special time that can have a very real influence on how they develop, grow and learn — not just now, but for his or her whole life. Watch … read more >

chicken and sweetcorn risotto

Chicken & Sweetcorn Risotto

This dish suitable for weaning (& for all the family!) – it’s a great versatile dish you can add different veg to. The chicken gives it a nice boost of protein and iron. Remember your baby will only be taking very small amounts at the stage but the most important thing is that you’re exposing them to a variety of tastes early on and that you progress with the consistencies of dishes as baby gets older.

weaning

New Friends & Weaning Adventures

This will probably be the last blog post I’ll write whilst I’m on maternity leave, as I head back to work in about 6 weeks. I’m relishing every minute I have with Ellen and not even thinking about work. I just want to enjoy the time I have left!

Getting enough iron in the weaning diet

Having enough iron in the weaning diet is important to help your baby grow and develop, and to prevent iron deficiency anaemia. Iron also will support brain development. From about 6 months of age, your baby’s iron stores, accumulated from you when you were pregnant, are depleted, so dietary sources of iron become very important.

Baby and Vitamin D

The Department of Health recommend that all babies, whether breastfed or formula fed, should receive a 5 microgram (5µg) supplement of vitamin D3 every day from birth until 12 months of age. Vitamin D is important because it helps to absorb calcium and so is important for developing healthy bones.

Sleep and your new baby

Infants require a significant amount of sleep in the first few months of life.  It may be surprising for some new parents to discover that sleep does not come naturally to your much anticipated arrival, or you may find that your new baby is rarely awake.  Just as they come in all shapes and sizes, the ability to sleep well at the start, varies hugely from each individual child. However, the amount of sleep necessary for healthy development does not differ hugely from baby to baby and there are a number of elements that may be addressed to ensure that you all get as much as possible.

Suitable finger foods for baby from 6-9 months

During Stage 2 you should aim to feed your baby 3 meals per day. Divide these into the morning, afternoon and evening. Each meal should be approximately 2-4 tablespoons but this will depend on your baby’s appetite. Foods should be offered before your baby’s milk feed during this stage. Space meals and milk feeds apart … read more >