How to Wean Your Baby Kendal

By  Lizzie Vann, Organix Organix Supernanny Expert 18/03/2008

I believe that there is nothing more important than the quality of the food that we feed our children – their development, health and happiness depend on it.

Children like to have fun. They like new ideas, new colours and new flavours. Many food manufacturers and cookery writers have responded to this by disguising food with lots of bright colours and masking its real flavour with excessive sugar or salt. Since setting up Organix in 1992, my approach has been first and foremost to make sure that we have the fundamentals of good food right and that we focus on these above all else. We always use organic ingredients with no added nasties because they are better for your child in many ways.

The basics of weaning:

Between four and seven months of age, your baby starts to show that she is ready for solids. Many babies can sit with help, hold food in their mouths and mix it with saliva. They may chew anything within reach, drool or cry when they see food and appear hungry after milk feeds.

Once you have decided to start weaning, you can establish a regular mealtime when you give your baby your undivided attention. Some babies are hungriest in the morning, others in the evening.

Initially try offering your baby small amounts of food on the end of a spoon. Some babies eat what is offered and look around for more. Others may protest at a spoon being placed in their mouths. The majority swallow some food and dribble the rest down their chins. Each day, offer your baby extra teaspoonfuls of food if they seem hungry. About two weeks after the first meal, introduce a second. If feeding progresses well, offer a third meal after two more weeks.

First foods:

For the first food, try mixing boiled rice with water, formula or breast milk and pureeing it to the consistency of thick soup. Alternatively, try a pure baby rice. If this is well received, try introducing cooked, pureed apple or pear. For a third meal, try cooked, pureed potato or carrot.

An increasing number of pureed organic fruit and vegetables are produced commercially for babies. However, it is easy to make your own. Some foods, such as banana, can be simply mashed with a fork. Other foods can be pushed through a sieve, but a hand-blender or food processor is a time-saving purchase. Fibres and pips should be removed and fruit and vegetables should be peeled before cooking and pureeing. At this age, very fibrous matter is difficult for a baby to digest.

Weaning tips:

Babies enjoy the taste and sensation of very small amounts of spices and herbs in their food – baby food should not be bland. 
If you use berries, try to choose those that have been harvested when they are in season – their nutrient levels will be much higher. 
Avoid adding salt to a young baby’s food, and be cautious about using naturally salty foods such as cheese or smoked fish. 
Always try to buy organic bananas – there is a real difference in t...

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