From 6 Months

You can start to introduce solid foods at age 6 months. Your little one requires only a small quantity of solid food, once a day, at a convenient time for both of you.

Remember that at this age, breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of calories for your baby.

To start weaning, introduce individual vegetables and fruits. Experiment with purees, mashed options, or softly cooked sticks of parsnip, carrot, broccoli, sweet potato, banana or apple.

Another option is to mix baby rice with your little one's regular milk for a different taste and texture.

Your little one will gradually transition to eating three meals a day, which include breakfast, lunch, and tea.

It's important to offer a wide variety of foods to ensure they receive enough energy and essential nutrients like iron.

Breast milk is not a good source of iron. So your baby will start to need more iron. Introduce iron-rich pureed meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Do not add salt or sugar to their food. Salt can be harmful to their kidneys, and sugar can lead to tooth decay.

Babies can chew using their gums, even if they don't have teeth or have very few.

It's great to see your baby becoming more adventurous with different textures. The sooner they become accustomed to different tastes, the less likely they will develop picky eating habits.

Introducing mashed and lumpier foods, along with a range of finger foods, will further boost their confidence.

Remember, every baby takes their own time to adjust to lumps, but it's an essential skill for them to acquire. So, keep offering them lumpy textures and finger foods, and make sure to be present while they eat to ensure their safety.

Finger foods can be served in small portions, allowing your little one to explore self-feeding. You'll notice when your baby is ready to take charge by their eagerness to grab the food or spoon with their tiny hands.

By now, your little one should be accustomed to having three meals a day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - alongside their milk feeds.

For lunch and dinner, you can offer a main dish and a dessert, like fruit or unsweetened yogurt.

Your little one should now be enjoying a wide array of tastes and textures, enjoying bigger chunks of soft food and discovering a huge range of finger foods.

It's a good idea to eat together whenever you can, as babies learn by observing you eat.

As your baby grows, their primary source of nutrition will come from proteins, fruits, vegetables, breads, grains, and dairy. To ensure they receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals, it's important to offer a wide range of foods.

Your baby is all set to have healthier meals in smaller portions and chopped into tinier pieces!

Enjoy your mealtimes together with you little one.