Feeding and Weaning

Feeding and Weaning FAQs

What’s the difference between feeding and weaning?

Feeding provides your baby with their essential nutrients in the first 6 months, whether that’s through breast milk or formula. This helps them grow strong and healthy. Weaning is the gradual process of introducing solid foods alongside milk, which starts around 6 months old. It helps your baby explore new tastes and textures, while learning how to eat from a spoon or finger foods and still getting most of their nutrients from milk.

What are the 3 stages of weaning?

The 3 stages of weaning are First Tastes (6 months), Exploring Textures (7-9 months) and Family Foods (10-12 months onwards). Stage 1: At around 6 months old it’s all about first tastes. Your little one starts their journey in discovering new tastes and textures. This introduces simple, single-ingredient foods like pureed or mashed vegetables (carrots, parsnips, broccoli) and soft fruits (bananas or pears). Stage 2: From 7–9 months as your baby becomes more confident with solids, you can introduce thicker purees, mashed foods and soft finger foods (vegetable sticks, pasta or fingers of toast). Provide them with 2-3 small meals a day, with a variety of protein rich foods (fish, meat, lentils). This also helps build chewing skills and hand-eye coordination. Stage 3: At 10–12-months you can start introducing more textured and chopped meals, so they are able to eat with you. Just serve smaller portions of whatever you’re having but just avoid added salt and sugar. Offer three meals a day, plus healthy snacks. Your little one can eat a variety of foods and can join you in family mealtimes.