Baby Weaning Guide: When & How to Start Solid Foods for Your Baby

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Baby Weaning: A Complete Guide for Parents

Baby weaning is the process of gradually introducing solid foods into a baby’s diet while continuing breast milk or formula. It is an important milestone that supports a baby’s nutritional needs, oral development, and healthy eating habits.

What Is Baby Weaning?

Weaning usually begins around 6 months of age, when a baby is developmentally ready for solid foods. At this stage, breast milk or formula alone is no longer sufficient to meet increasing nutritional demands, especially for iron and energy.

Signs Your Baby Is Ready for Weaning

A baby may be ready for weaning if they:

  • Can sit with minimal support

  • Have good head and neck control

  • Show interest in food (watching others eat, reaching for food)

  • Can move food from the spoon to the back of the mouth

  • Have lost the tongue-thrust reflex

Types of Baby Weaning

1. Traditional Spoon-Feeding

  • Starts with smooth purées (rice cereal, mashed fruits/vegetables)

  • Gradually progresses to thicker textures and soft lumps

  • Parent-led feeding approach

2. Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)

  • Baby feeds themselves soft, finger-sized foods

  • Encourages independence and motor skills

  • Baby decides how much to eat

A combination of both methods is also common and effective.

Best First Foods for Weaning

  • Iron-rich foods: mashed lentils, pureed meat, egg yolk

  • Fruits: banana, apple (cooked), pear

  • Vegetables: carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato

  • Cereals: rice cereal, oats

  • Dairy (after 6 months): curd/yogurt, paneer

Avoid: added salt, sugar, honey (before 1 year), and highly processed foods.

Weaning Food Progression

  • 6–7 months: Smooth purées and mashed foods

  • 7–9 months: Thicker textures, soft lumps, finger foods

  • 9–12 months: Chopped family foods, increased variety

Safety Tips During Weaning

  • Always supervise your baby while eating

  • Ensure food is soft to prevent choking

  • Introduce one new food at a time

  • Maintain good hygiene while preparing food

Common Weaning Challenges

  • Food refusal or fussiness

  • Gagging (normal and different from choking)

  • Messy eating (part of learning)

Patience and repeated exposure to foods help overcome these challenges.

Importance of Continued Milk Feeding

Even after starting solids, breast milk or formula remains the main source of nutrition until 1 year of age. Solids complement milk, not replace it initially.

Conclusion

Baby weaning is a gradual and exciting journey that lays the foundation for lifelong healthy eating. By offering a variety of nutritious foods, following your baby’s cues, and maintaining a relaxed approach, parents can make weaning a positive experience for both baby and family.

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