{"id":4634,"date":"2021-05-14T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-14T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/?p=4634"},"modified":"2026-03-10T14:12:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T14:12:48","slug":"123-weaning-how-to-successfully-wean-your-baby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/baby-development\/123-weaning-how-to-successfully-wean-your-baby\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Wean a Baby Successfully"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>Just when you thought\u00a0you\u2019d\u00a0got the hang of breastfeeding or mastered the bottle routine; another spanner is thrown into the works. Now, your\u00a0little one\u00a0is 6 months\u00a0and\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0time to start getting their taste buds excited.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Milk\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0forever!\u00a0So,\u00a0they\u00a0need to be introduced to lots of yummy, solid foods.\u00a0In other words, get ready for\u00a0weaning!\u00a0Don\u2019t\u00a0worry\u00a0though, it\u2019s not really a spanner in the\u00a0works,\u00a0because\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0actually\u00a0really\u00a0fun.\u00a0We\u2019re\u00a0not denying that at times it can be a tad messy. However,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0all part of the exciting journey with your bundle of joy!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>You\u00a0may\u00a0hear\u00a0terms\u00a0like\u00a0baby led, purees and\u00a0sippy\u00a0cups and feel like you\u00a0have\u00a0no idea what\u00a0they mean. Or, you may not even know where to begin with\u00a0<em>how to wean a baby\u00a0<\/em>or\u00a0<em>when to start we<\/em><em>a<\/em><em>ning?<\/em>\u00a0But\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0ok! At\u00a0Kiddies Kingdom,\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0here to help to make things clear and simple for you. Leave it to us and by the end of this guide,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0be a weaning expert!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-5605\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Baby in high chair with finger foods\" width=\"580\" height=\"386\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-1.jpg 1379w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Here are our top tips on how to\u00a0get started:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>1. Is your baby ready?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Whilst friends and family may all have differing opinions\u00a0on\u00a0when to start weaning,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/baby\/weaning-and-feeding\/babys-first-solid-foods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">experts<\/a>\u00a0recommend\u00a0solid foods,\u00a0not to be given\u00a0to little ones\u00a0until they\u2019re\u00a06 months old.\u00a0At first,\u00a0breast milk or infant formula\u00a0will give them\u00a0the nutrients\u00a0they\u00a0need.\u00a0Just because your tot\u00a0has had a growth spurt\u00a0in\u00a0their\u00a0first\u00a06 months,\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0mean they\u2019re\u00a0ready\u00a0for solid foods!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>The increased hunger will only be\u00a0temporary,\u00a0and their appetite should return to\u00a0normal quickly.\u00a0Extra breast milk or formula will be your saviour here! The\u00a0signs\u00a0to look\u00a0out for\u00a0which show your bub is ready\u00a0include:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Can sit upright\u00a0and hold their head\u00a0steady\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Able to\u00a0coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth\u00a0to\u00a0look at their food,\u00a0pick it up\u00a0and\u00a0pop\u00a0it in their\u00a0mouth\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Swallows\u00a0food\u00a0instead of spitting it back out\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Shows\u00a0interest in the food on your\u00a0plate\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>There are also indicators that\u00a0are\u00a0sometimes\u00a0mistaken\u00a0for your tot being ready:\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Chewing on their\u00a0fists\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Wanting extra milk feeds\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Waking up\u00a0more during the night\u00a0than\u00a0they normally do\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>It\u2019s\u00a0important to remember that these are\u00a0just\u00a0typical baby behaviours. It\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0automatically mean your\u00a0baby\u00a0is hungry\u00a0or ready to\u00a0be weaned.\u00a0Apologies to all the lovely\u00a0mums and dads\u00a0out there, but food unfortunately\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0the answer to your restless nights!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>2. Choose a\u00a0method<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" class=\"wp-image-5606\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Mum spoon-feeding baby with a big smile on her face \" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-2.jpg 1379w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When it comes to how to wean a baby, there\u00a0are\u00a0two different\u00a0techniques\u00a0which\u00a0most parents will try. Both\u00a0are\u00a0also\u00a0completely valid ways to introduce food to your little one. The ultimate decision is down to you and what method you feel most comfortable following.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong><em>Traditional weaning<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<br \/>This\u00a0approach\u00a0involves giving your\u00a0child\u00a0soft, pureed food\u00a0via a spoon,\u00a0which is\u00a0fed to them by\u00a0you.\u00a0When they reach about 7 or 8 months, solid foods can then be introduced gradually.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p><strong><em>Baby-<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>led w<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>eaning<\/em><\/strong><em>\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0<br \/>For this method, your little one\u00a0takes a little\u00a0control!\u00a0You\u00a0skip the puree\u00a0altogether,\u00a0starting\u00a0them\u00a0directly onto solid foods. Rather than feeding your\u00a0bub\u00a0yourself, you simply leave the\u00a0tasty treats\u00a0in front of them, so they can try\u00a0putting it in their mouth\u00a0themselves. Remember \u2013 cut the food up into small chunks\u00a0for their teeny tiny fingers and mouth!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>As with most aspects of raising\u00a0your\u00a0child, there\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0a right or wrong approach to weaning. It completely depends on what\u00a0is\u00a0more suited to your situation. So, the \u2018right\u2019 method is the one that works best for you\u00a0and your little one.\u00a0Don\u2019t\u00a0worry\u00a0if at first\u00a0it takes\u00a0a little\u00a0trial and error, to\u00a0learn\u00a0which\u00a0technique\u00a0is\u00a0most\u00a0appropriate for you!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>3.\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Buy<\/strong><strong>\u00a0the\u00a0<\/strong><strong>correct<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>equipment<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>As much as all mums out there would like to, you just\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0predict how weaning will go. Some tots\u00a0take to it like a duck to water, whilst others need more time to get used to the new flavours. However, one thing\u00a0that\u2019ll\u00a0guarantee a\u00a0somewhat\u00a0smoother transition\u00a0is\u00a0ensuring\u00a0you\u00a0have the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/32-weaning-and-feeding\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">right\u00a0kit<\/a>,\u00a0from the get-go. Like most things relating\u00a0to\u00a0babies,\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0a\u00a0hundred\u00a0different items you can\u00a0buy. However,\u00a0our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/newborn-essentials\/the-kitchen-essentials-you-need-to-buy-before-weaning-your-baby\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">baby weaning checklist<\/a>\u00a0considers the top things:\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/60-folding-and-multi-position-highchairs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Highchair<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Plastic\u00a0bowls\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Plastic\u00a0spoons\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Trainer cup\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Bibs (lots of them)\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li>Floor\u00a0mat (to\u00a0shield\u00a0your floor from flying food)\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>4. Picking\u00a0foods<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-3.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" class=\"wp-image-5607\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-3-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Baby reaching for food\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-3-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/how-to-wean-a-baby-3.jpg 1379w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>This is\u00a0where it gets fun! Now,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0time to\u00a0decide what yummy, first foods you\u2019re going to feed your bub.\u00a0Whether\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0pureeing or going\u00a0for\u00a0the baby-led\u00a0approach, try\u00a0avoiding\u00a0using bitter or strong\u00a0flavours. Foods like banana, sweet potato,\u00a0pear,\u00a0and porridge are very popular.\u00a0They\u2019re\u00a0great to start with, as\u00a0your little one will be able to break them down more easily.\u00a0Some of our other\u00a0favourites\u00a0include:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><strong><em>Mango\u00a0pieces<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<br \/>It\u2019s\u00a0full of vitamin A goodness,\u00a0to keep your tot\u2019s eyes healthy.\u00a0Our top tip with mango is to leave the skin on, so\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0less slippery and easier for\u00a0them to hold.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li><strong><em>Steam broccoli florets<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<br \/>The texture of this juicy veg\u00a0is great for little ones. Plus, their tree-like shape makes it easier\u00a0for them\u00a0to grasp.\u00a0Let\u2019s\u00a0not forget all that vitamin C it has too!\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li><strong><em>Mild cheese sticks<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<br \/>Mini Edam cheeses are super scrumptious, as well as being an excellent source of calcium.\u00a0After all, we want our little angels to have strong bones and teeth!\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li><strong><em>Thin strips of meat<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<br \/>Everyone needs protein, especially your tot. It will\u00a0help with their growth and development.\u00a0Slices of meat, like chicken or turkey are great foods to start with\u00a0\u2013 or veggie alternatives if you wish. As your bub gets better at chewing, you can move onto meats like lean lamb or beef.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li><strong><em>Toastie fingers<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<br \/>Don\u2019t\u00a0get us wrong, your baby will probably\u00a0chew away at it until it\u2019s a soggy mess! However, the texture will be super fun for them to play around with.\u00a0Better yet,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0a great snack for teething tots!\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Our experts recommend\u00a0introducing foods that could\u00a0possibly cause allergic reactions,\u00a0one at a time, and in small amounts.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>This includes\u00a0cow\u2019s milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, gluten,\u00a0dairy\u00a0and fish. By\u00a0giving them to your bub\u00a0gradually,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0be\u00a0able to spot any\u00a0side\u00a0effects quickly.\u00a0At the start,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0less about\u00a0how much they\u2019re eating, and more about getting them used to the idea of munching.\u00a0If you want\u00a0more\u00a0food inspiration,\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0got\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/baby-development\/recipes-for-weaning-babies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">recipes<\/a>\u00a0bursting with\u00a0amazing\u00a0flavours,\u00a0for your budding foodie!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2><strong>5. Best time to\u00a0<\/strong><strong>start<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>When to start weaning is a\u00a0question\u00a0we get asked a lot at Kiddies Kingdom.\u00a0Our experts advise against\u00a0giving your baby food\u00a0when\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0desperately hungry. This is because it\u00a0can lead to anger and frustration,\u00a0as they struggle to work out how to eat\u00a0it. Instead, choose a time when\u00a0your bub is\u00a0relaxed and happy. We recommend\u00a0mid-morning, so they\u2019re\u00a0still relatively\u00a0full from\u00a0their\u00a0a.m.\u00a0milk,\u00a0but hungry enough to try the food.\u00a0To make mealtimes\u00a0more\u00a0fun,\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0lots of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/116-highchair-accessories\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">highchair accessories<\/a>\u00a0to experiment with!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Remember \u2013 just like\u00a0how\u00a0every\u00a0mum and every baby\u00a0is different, every\u00a0breastfeeding\u00a0experience is also different. Each\u00a0one\u00a0starts and ends under unique circumstances.\u00a0Whether you breastfed for 1 week or 1 year, you should be proud of yourself!\u00a0Our\u00a0little treasures\u00a0are learning so much\u00a0during this\u00a0milestone. So,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0important not to put too much pressure on either yourself or your\u00a0tot,\u00a0when it comes to weaning.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p>Our advice is to just go with the flow! If it any point you have any concerns,\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0no harm in asking your GP for advice.\u00a0Other than that, just\u00a0have loads of fun with this journey. Your tot is about to have\u00a0the most amazing sensory experience\u00a0of their life!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Just when you thought\u00a0you\u2019d\u00a0got the hang of breastfeeding or mastered the bottle routine; another spanner is thrown into the works. Now, your\u00a0little one\u00a0is 6 months\u00a0and\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0time to start getting their taste buds excited.\u00a0\u00a0 Milk\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0forever!\u00a0So,\u00a0they\u00a0need to be introduced to lots of yummy, solid foods.\u00a0In other words, get ready for\u00a0weaning!\u00a0Don\u2019t\u00a0worry\u00a0though, it\u2019s not really a spanner in the\u00a0works,\u00a0because\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0actually\u00a0really\u00a0fun.\u00a0We\u2019re\u00a0not denying that at times it can be a tad messy. However,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0all part of the exciting journey with your bundle of joy!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7523,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[524,252,529],"tags":[253,399,378,294],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4634"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4634"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4634\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6266,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4634\/revisions\/6266"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7523"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4634"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4634"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kiddies-kingdom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4634"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}