Healthy weaning recipes and advice

Signs your baby is ready to wean

Families are also being urged to look out for the signs that their baby is ready to start weaning at around six-months-old.

It is recommended that families start weaning their children at around six months of age when their digestive systems and kidneys are able to cope with food.

It’s also important to look out for signs of readiness to wean such as being able to sit up and support themselves, keep their head in a stable position and showing an interest in food.

When your baby first starts eating solid foods, they will only take small amounts. It’s about learning to eat. It’s meant to be fun – make it as relaxed as fun and as messy as you can.

Creating low-cost health weaning foods at home

In recent years, weaning jars and pouches have become a big hit among busy families and those who find cooking for babies rather daunting.

However, feeding your baby on jars and pouches each day can cost approximately £3.65 a day, which adds up to £25.55 a week.

For a four-week month, this adds up to over £100. It’s an enormous price to pay, especially for families who may be struggling financially.

By cooking baby food at home, you can easily introduce your baby to a variety of textures. It also teaches babies how to explore their food rather than them expecting it to come from inside a pouch. You can also make several portions to stock up your freezer with.

Stage 1 weaning – Cooked Carrots

Stage 1 weaning – Mashed Apple

Stage 2 weaning – Banana Blueberry and Apple

Stage 2 weaning – Carrot and Sweet Potato Batons

Stage 3 weaning – Simple Banana Pancakes

Stage 3 weaning – Simple Lentil Soup

Our weaning experts talk about their key advice