When a baby is about six months old it's time to start trying solid foods to provide them with all the additional nutrients they need.
It's a good idea to start with puréed vegetables such as parsnip or carrot, or puréed fruit such as banana, pear or cooked apple. Baby rice is also a good option because it can be made up using breast milk or formula milk. When you decide to start introducing solid foods to your baby, you should carry on with the usual milk feed. Don't stop breastfeeding right away.
Over the next few weeks you should gradually increase the amount of solid food offered to your baby until eventually they are having three solid meals every day. Your baby will benefit from different tastes and textures of foods. Different textures can be created by mashing, sieving or puréeing food. Gradually start to include mashed meat and pulses such as chickpeas or lentils.
Yoghurts and fromage frais are a popular choice for young babies but avoid those high in sugar. Don't add salt to food you prepare for your baby.
June 2011 | 
Top Tips For Weaning Your Baby
