First Foods
The various stages of weaning and introducing finger foods
Weaning is a gradual process and can be trying for both you and baby. Here are some hints and tips to consider :
Stage 1 (from 6 Months)
Start by mixing one teaspoon of fruit or vegetable puree with some of their milk and offer it before one of their feeds. Let your baby’s appetite guide you but start with offering this once a day and then build up to three times a day. Cows’ milk products like yogurt and custard are also suitable and can help towards the daily required milk intake. Once you have tried all veg and fruit on their own, start to mix them together and making them eventually more textured. Some of the favourites that our Mums have found are listed below on the recipe exchange. You can also start to add in small pasta shapes, rice or cous cous. Keep meals quite bland and only give cereals once a day. A great idea is to prepare large amounts of pureed food, then freeze it in ice cube trays. You can then defrost and heat the cubes as required. Always ensure though that the trays are sterilised before use.
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2nd Stage (7-9 months)
Your baby will now be ready to try more protein and iron rich food and you can start to add more cereals. Start with chicken and some plain white fish and try some minced lamb or beef. If you are weaning on a vegetarian diet then an alternative source of iron will include eggs, pulses and green leafy veg. Your baby’s hand-eye co-ordination will also start to improve and therefore this is a good time to start to introduce finger food and water at mealtimes. Some favourite finger foods are listed below but again check out our recipe exchange for the Guernsey Mums best tips.
Fun finger foods
Soft fruits like bananas and peaches
Pieces of melon, apple, strawberries, kiwi and pear
Dried fruits – raisins, apricots and sultanas
Soft cooked pieces of vegetables
Pieces of toast, pitta bread and sandwiches
Small chunks of cheese
Little slices of cooked chicken or ham
Bread sticks – try dipping them in houmous or soft cheese
Please feel free to contribute to this article by contacting us. Or share any advice or experience on this subject. CLICK HERE to join the Guernsey Grapevine.
3rd Stage (9-12 months)
Your baby should now be eating around three meals per day plus some milk feeds and snacks in between. Start to introduce stronger flavours, such as oily fish like Mackerel (plenty of those in Guernsey), herbs and garlic. It is also time to start letting your baby feed herself!!!
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