motherandbaby.co.uk| June 2020 | 39Enjoythe weaningjourney
The more you have fun experimenting and
exploring foods with your baby, the more she
will enjoy the whole concept of eating.
Weaning is definitely a journey – it’s
about learning, with a lot of trial and
error, so try not to take it too
seriously, andremember
to smile!There isn’t oneway to wean
Babies are all individuals and take to weaning
at completely different paces. Some like finger
foods, others like the spoon. Some babies move
through meals quickly, others are slower totaketothe process of eating. It’s all pretty normal, sodon’t
ever think you’ve failed or you’ve done it
wrong. If you’re worried, book to see
your health visitor or a healthcare
professional, who can help
guide you.Kick
off with veg
Something we love to talk about is
starting baby on flavours and taste
exposures she’s never had before. Babies are
often familiar (and very accepting) of sweeter
tastes, but they need a little nudge to learn to
accept other flavours, especially bitter and sour
ones. Try offering these tastes first by starting
weaning with a variety of veggies –
including green veg – for the first week
or so, before introducing more
variety into her diet.Consider
variety
The more variety that you offer your
baby from a young age, the more variety
she is likely to eat as she gets older. Little
ones are also more likely to accept foods and
have less food fussiness. So try and vary those
meals day to day as much as possible!
Giving her little bits from your own
meals can be one way to go about
doing this.Let your babyguide you
Babies are all so different and, when it comes to
weaning, it’s always good to listen to your baby’s
cues, and try to follow her lead. A lot of people are
worried about baby’s portion sizes, or how much their
baby should be eating. The truth is, there are no portion-
size recommendations for babies, and little ones are very
good at regulating their own appetite, so spot the
signals that she wants more (mouth open, crying
when the bowl is removed) or less (clamping
her mouth shut and turning her head
away), and respond
appropriately.