11364 NUTR Weaning Bklt - UK
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When should I start to introduce solid foods?<br />
13<br />
Most experts recommend that weaning should begin around age 6 months (26 weeks). 11,12 If you wish to begin a little earlier,<br />
discuss this with your healthcare professional, but solid foods are not generally recommended before 4 months of age<br />
(17 weeks) unless there is a medical need. 13<br />
Some physical signs that your baby may be ready to accept solids include: 11<br />
• They can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady<br />
<strong>Weaning</strong><br />
• They can coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so that they can look<br />
at the food, pick it up and put it in their mouth by themselves<br />
• They can swallow their food – babies who are not ready will push their food<br />
back out with their tongue<br />
Other signs that can be mistaken for a baby being ready for solid foods: 11,12<br />
• Chewing their fists<br />
• Wanting extra milk feeds<br />
These are normal behaviours and not necessarily a sign of hunger or being ready to<br />
start solid food. Extra feeds are usually enough until they're ready for other food.<br />
Night waking 12<br />
Infants may begin to wake again during the night when they have previously slept<br />
through. This is normal behaviour and doesn't always mean your baby is hungry<br />
or ready to start solid foods.<br />
Ideally, whenever you decide to start, babies with CMA should<br />
be well and symptom-free when introducing solid food begins.
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