Weaning
Weaning – what are the current recommendations?
Weaning is a time when parents are looking to their Healthcare Professional for advice and information about weaning their baby.
This section covers:
- Weaning recommendations on when to introduce solid foods
- How and what to start feeding
- Tips to helping Infants reach the stage where they are eating family foods and taking part in family mealtimes.
When to start weaning
Why early introduction of solids is not recommended and tips to help parents to delay early introduction of solids
Why weaning should not be delayed beyond 6 months
Section 2: Weaning in Ireland – what are the different stages?
Healthcare Professionals should reassure parents that weaning is a gradual process and should not be rushed.
It will take time for an infant to adjust to the feeling of a spoon in their mouths and a texture and taste other than milk. Therefore, during the early stages of weaning food intake will be small with the main nutritional requirements being met by breast or formula feeds.
Figure 1 provides a guide to the stages of weaning, including infant development; appropriate food textures and examples of appropriate foods1,2. Every infant develops at a different rate and it is important to note that this should be used as a guide only.
Figure 1: Stages of Weaning
Research Papers
Inappropriate weaning practices in healthy 6-month old Irish Infants. Tarrant, R et al., 2007
References
- Department of Health. Report on Health and Social Subjects 45 Weaning and the Weaning Diet. London: HMSO, 1994.
- Fleisher Michaelson K, Weaver L, Branca F, & Robertson A. Feeding and Nutrition of Infants and Yound Children. Denmark: WHO, 2000.