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Weaning Without Worry — How to Introduce Solids Safely and Confidently

Research-supported; mum-of-three observations — not medical advice.


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Weaning is one of those parenting milestones that sounds simple in theory — introduce food! — but quickly becomes a whole personality test. Suddenly you’re wondering: Purees or finger foods? Allergens? How on earth do I cook quinoa “baby-friendly”? Do I need 14 different weaning spoons?


Breathe. Your baby doesn’t need Pinterest meals or fancy gear. They need safety, curiosity, and patience. Everything else is optional.


Let’s break down weaning in a way that feels human, doable, and evidence-based — not overwhelming.


When to Start: The NHS Rule of Three

Your baby is ready for solids when ALL THREE signs are present (usually around 6 months):


✔️ 1. Sitting steadily with minimal support

✔️ 2. Good head and neck control

✔️ 3. Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex


(So they swallow food instead of pushing it straight back out.)

Age alone isn’t the marker — ability is.

If a friend’s baby started at 4 months, that’s their journey. Your baby’s readiness will look like your baby.


How to Start: Spoon, Finger Foods or Both?


Option 1: Spoon-Fed Purées


Simple, easy, great for texture progression. Start smooth → move to thicker → soft lumpy → mashed → chopped.


Option 2: Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)


Baby feeds themselves with soft finger foods. Encourages independence and motor skills.


Option 3: A Combination (The Most Popular)


Real life isn’t black and white — most families mix both.

There is no perfect method, just what works for your baby and for you.


First Foods: Keep It Simple

Babies don’t need gourmet. Think: soft, easy and nutrient-rich.


Great First Foods

  • Mashed sweet potato

  • Steamed carrots or broccoli

  • Soft avocado

  • Banana

  • Plain yoghurt

  • Mashed lentils

  • Porridge

  • Scrambled egg

  • Soft cooked pasta

  • Flaky salmon


Skip the salt, sugar and honey (more on that below).


Introducing Allergens — The Calm, Evidence-Based Way


The NHS recommends introducing potential allergens from 6 months, including:

  • Peanut

  • Egg

  • Dairy

  • Wheat/gluten

  • Fish

  • Soya

  • Sesame


How to do it safely:

  • Introduce one allergen at a time

  • Offer it at home, earlier in the day

  • Start with a very small amount

  • Watch for symptoms for 2+ hours


Signs to watch for:

  • Hives

  • Swelling around eyes/lips

  • Vomiting

  • Wheezing

  • Persistent cough

  • Sudden upset behaviour

For severe reactions, call 999.For milder concerns, contact your GP.


Choking vs Gagging — The Big One


Gagging

Noisy, dramatic, face-red, spluttering. Terrifying for you… normal for them. A protective reflex.


Choking

Silent, struggling to breathe, need immediate action. Very rare but always important to prepare for.

Consider a baby first aid course:

  • Farnborough

  • Fleet

  • Guildford

  • Woking

  • Online courses (Red Cross, Mini First Aid)

Knowledge = confidence.


Foods to Avoid (Under 1 Year)

These aren’t about being strict — they’re about safety:

  • Honey (risk of botulism)

  • Whole nuts (choking risk) — but peanut butter is fine

  • Undercooked eggs unless Lion-stamped

  • Salt (damages kidneys)

  • Added sugar

  • Cow’s milk as a drink (ok in food from 6 months)

  • Raw shellfish

  • Shark, swordfish & marlin (too much mercury)


Textures and Progression: It Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect


Weaning is messy. Literally and metaphorically.


Aim for variety:

  • Colours

  • Flavours

  • Textures

  • Spices (yes, mild spices are fine!)

Texture acceptance develops through exposure — not pressure.

If your baby gags?Breathe. They’re learning. You’re learning. You can both feel overwhelmed and still be doing it right.


Milk & Meals: What’s the Balance?


From 6–12 months:


Milk is still the main source of calories.


Aim for:

  • Breastfeeding on demand, or

  • 500–600ml formula per day

Solids add nutrients, flavours, iron and skills.


Weaning Gear: What You Actually Need

(Short version: not much.)

  • A highchair with good support

  • Soft spoons

  • A suction bowl/plate

  • Bibs

  • Wipes

  • Patience (free, but frequently tested)

Skip the gadgets. Your kitchen already has everything you need.


Local Weaning Support (Farnborough & Surrounding Areas)


Hampshire Healthy Families

Weaning workshops, drop-in clinics, feeding support.

Surrey Family Centres

Guildford, Woking & Surrey villages — early years feeding sessions, peer support.

Health Visitors

Your HV can guide texture progressions, growth concerns and feeding questions.

NHS Antenatal to Postnatal Services

Both Frimley Health and Royal Surrey offer infant nutrition resources.

Local Groups & Classes

Baby sensory, messy play, and community cafés all support food exploration in low-pressure environments.


In Short

Weaning isn’t about doing it perfectly — it’s about doing it safely, calmly and confidently. Your baby will eat differently every week because they’re learning literally everything from scratch.

Offer variety. Stay calm through the mess. And remember: one “refused meal” isn’t a personality trait — it’s just a moment.

You’re feeding your baby with intention, awareness and love. You’re doing brilliantly.


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