This section is designed to give you a basic guide to weaning.

You are the best judge of when it's time to wean, and you do not have to set a deadline unless you and your child are ready to do so. However, the Department of Health now recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months (26 weeks). If you feel your baby needs to start solids before this, do talk to your health visitor. The Department of Health used to recommend that babies were started on solids between the ages of four and six months. Then in May 2003, they issued the following statement: "Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of an infant's life as it provides all the nutrients a baby needs.

So when do you start?

Sometimes between 4 and 6 months. Don't be tempted to start before 4 months and talk to your Health Visitor if you are unsure. At around 10-12 weeks many babies have a growth spurt and need more milk than usual. If you are breastfeeding you may long to start on solids at this time, but it is very unlikely that your baby's tummy will be ready for solids…even if you are!

Weaning becomes particularly important after 6 months, due to your baby's changing needs. Babies are born with a supply of iron but by 6 months the store is running out and they need extra iron from foods other than their usual milk.

What should you start with?

Initially foods should be pureed and strained through a sieve to ensure a smooth texture that is easy for your baby to swallow. Start with:

• very soft, mildly flavoured foods;
• no lumps. Your baby should be able to suck the food from a spoon;
• foods that aren't too hot in temperature.

Baby rice is a good first food. It might look really bland and but if you've been drinking nothing but milk for 4 months then it's a step forward. A small feeding spoon is best to start with as they aren't as deep as normal teaspoons and so it's easier for your baby to get at the food. They may seem to be spitting it out at first, but they are probably just getting used to the taste. To start with, pick a time when your baby isn't too hungry or tired and when you have time to persevere! Also, be prepared for mess! At 4 months your baby will feed on your knee, so wear an apron or something that's nearly ready for the wash anyway!

Remember never leave your baby alone when feeding in case they choke.

Moving on….

"I found that if I mixed some milk with pureed vegetables and baby rice, then this was more interesting for my daughter."

You could keep pureed vegetables and fruit in the freezer and then add baby rice at feeding time. Thaw the puree thoroughly and then heat to piping hot before adding freshly made baby rice.

Click here for some recipe ideas

How can I ensure baby gets a balanced diet?

Each day, from 6 months onwards, your baby will need a variety of foods from each of these food groups:

• bread, cereals, potatoes;
• fruit and vegetables;
• milk and dairy products;
• meat, fish and or alternatives such as peas, beans or lentils.

There are a number of foods you should avoid:

• cows milk - this should not be given as a main drink until your baby is at least a year old;
• nuts - for peace of mind it is best to avoid in the early years;
• undiluted adult fruit juices and fizzy drinks - too much sugar can be harmful to teeth and these drinks may contain unsuitable additives;
• spoonable honey - this can contain spores that your baby may be unable to cope with. Honey in prepared baby foods is ok, as it is specially heat-treated.

Also be careful with eggs. Always ensure that both the white and yolk are cooked solid.

When preparing home cooked food for your baby remember:

• do not add salt;
• avoid adult processed foods as they may contain high levels of salt, sugar and artificial colours and preservatives;
• that they need a high fat, low fibre diet.

When will my baby be ready for more texture or lumpy foods?

"The hardest part of weaning was knowing when to move on from one 'success' to try something new that may not work. I found it quite stressful introducing new foods as often they didn't work and I would then panic and prepare somethingelse…mealtimes seemed to last an eternity."

"I was uncertain about when to move from 'no lumps' to 'some lumps' and worried about my baby choking."

All babies are different but your baby will probably be able manage chewier, more textured foods around 6 to 7 months. Make sure the food pieces are soft and easy for him to chew. Help encourage their mouth and jaw development and their hand-to-mouth co-ordination by giving finger foods like sticks of cooked carrot or pieces of soft fruit.

Click here for some recipe ideas

Hints and tips from other parents

"My sister used to laugh at me preparing these minuscule amounts of food each day, chasing one carrot round the pan with the blender. Discovering ice cube trays for baby food was a life changing experience!"

"My best buy was a hand blender and a tall plastic container. I'd cook large potions of various recipes, savoury and sweet, puree them up and then freeze them in ice cube trays. I'd prepare meals for a whole month in one go".

"I'd always kept a large batch of home made cheese sauce, frozen as ice cubes. My son would eat any combination of pureed vegetables if they where mixed with a cube or two of cheese sauce!"

"I used to pour over my book of recipes and criticise myself for not preparing all the meals myself. I feel you have to be practical about these things. My compromise was:

• breakfast - easy, mashed up banana and Weetabix;
• lunch - some home made vegetable concoction and fruit;
• tea - a jar mixed with extra home made vegetables and yoghurt or fruit.

Of course I varied this, but essentially stuck to this schedule. I found it much less of a brain drain to know this was the rough plan I was working to rather than trying to make it up everyday."

We have been recommended a brilliant new product from South Africa that parents have found especially useful at feeding times.

The Bumbo Baby Sitter is an award winning patented baby seat from South Africa. Made from a soft, lightweight, non-toxic material, it supports your baby in comfort in an upright sitting position. Your baby's body weight and pressure will narrow the gap above their legs slightly, holding your baby gently and firmly in place. The Bumbo is ideal for from around 4 months to a year and beyond. Click here for more information.

Your views and comments

"When I had to move my son onto lumpier food, I started by giving him some of his soft/liquid food then quickly popping in a spoonful of the lumpier food then back to the softer food, this way your baby isn't forced into it straight away and gradually you can build it up so he just has the lumpier food - this saved him spitting most of it out at me!!"

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