6.2 Describe the different stages of weaning in babies

This guide will help you answer 6.2 Describe the different stages of weaning in babies.

Weaning refers to introducing solid foods to a baby alongside their usual milk feeds (either breastmilk or formula). It’s an important stage in their development that supports their growing nutritional needs. The process typically starts when the baby is around six months old, as recommended by the NHS, but every child is different, so timing can slightly vary. This guide covers some of the basics about weaning and the different stages.

What is Weaning?

Weaning is a gradual process that involves changing a baby’s diet from solely milk to a combination of milk and solid foods. Babies are born with an immature digestive system, meaning they rely solely on milk for their nutritional needs during the first few months. At around six months old, their digestive system is more developed, and their energy needs increase, requiring additional nutrients that milk alone cannot fully provide.

The weaning process happens in three main stages. Each stage involves introducing different foods and textures to help the baby adapt to eating solids and to develop their chewing and swallowing skills.

Signs a Baby is Ready for Weaning

Before beginning weaning, it’s important to notice if a baby is ready for solids. Signs of readiness for weaning include:

• Babies can sit up and hold their head steady.
• They can coordinate their hands and mouth – for instance, bringing toys to their mouth.
• They show interest in food, such as watching others eat, grabbing food, or opening their mouth when food approaches.
• They’ve outgrown the tongue-thrust reflex, where they push anything that isn’t milk out of their mouth.

The early stages of weaning should not begin before four months (17 weeks), as a baby’s digestive system is not developed enough to handle solid foods at this age. Waiting until approximately six months helps ensure their digestive system is better prepared.

Stage 1: The Introduction of Solids

The first stage of weaning is about getting a baby used to the idea of eating solid food. This stage often lasts for about 4–6 weeks.

Key features of Stage 1 include:

• Type of Food: Babies are introduced to simple single-ingredient foods, often pureed or mashed until smooth. These foods are usually mild in flavour and easy to digest. Examples include pureed carrots, parsnips, apples, and pears.
• Texture: Food should be smooth and free of lumps to help them get used to swallowing solids.
• Portion Size: Initial portions are small – often just a spoonful or two. Milk remains their main source of nutrition.
• Method: Start by giving the new food after a milk feed or when the baby is not too tired or hungry. Use a soft baby spoon or let the baby lick food off your clean finger to introduce them to the new texture.
• Times per Day: Begin with offering solids once a day and increase gradually as the baby becomes more familiar with eating.

At this stage, the focus is on developing familiarity with food rather than achieving balanced meals. Babies may spit out food or show disinterest initially, which is normal as they learn to move food around their mouths and swallow.

Stage 2: Exploring Different Tastes and Textures

Once the baby is comfortable with smooth purees and has shown signs of interest in eating, they move on to the second stage. This stage usually happens between 7 and 9 months.

Key features of Stage 2 include:

• Type of Food: Foods offered in this stage can be more varied and include a wider range of ingredients. Alongside fruits and vegetables, introduce soft cooked meats (such as chicken), lentils, fish (with no bones), and dairy products like plain full-fat yoghurt or cheese.
• Texture: Start to introduce mashed or lumpier foods rather than smooth purees. Finger foods, such as soft-cooked carrot sticks and pieces of banana, can encourage self-feeding.
• Portion Size: Babies will typically eat more at each sitting than in Stage 1. Offer them food 2–3 times a day in addition to their regular milk feeds.
• Method: Let the baby explore different tastes and textures at their pace. Encourage finger foods to support the development of fine motor skills and chewing.

This stage is about helping babies learn how to chew and handle more challenging textures. It is also a good time to introduce a variety of flavours to support their acceptance of a diverse diet in the future. Avoid adding sugar, salt, or honey to their food, as these aren’t suitable for babies under 12 months.

It is particularly important during this stage to include iron-rich foods (e.g., meat, lentils, or iron-fortified cereals) as a baby’s natural iron stores begin to deplete at around six months.

Stage 3: Progressing to Family Foods

The third stage of weaning typically happens between 9 and 12 months. By this time, babies are becoming more competent in handling food and eating a wider variety of items.

Key features of Stage 3 include:

• Type of Food: Offer babies food from all the main food groups to ensure a balanced diet. This includes:
  • Starchy foods, like rice, pasta, bread, or potatoes
  • Protein, such as meat, fish, eggs, or beans
  • Dairy products
  • A variety of fruits and vegetables
• Texture: Offer chopped or minced foods instead of mashed purees, so they get used to biting and chewing. Provide larger finger foods that are easy to grasp, such as toast soldiers, steamed vegetable sticks, or soft pieces of fruit like mango or cucumber.
• Portion Size: Gradually increase portion sizes as they show an interest in eating more. Typically, 3–4 meals a day plus 1–2 snacks will support their growing needs.
• Method: This stage is about making sure the baby eats foods similar to what the rest of the family is eating. Avoid high-salt, sugary, or processed items, as their bodies cannot process these well.

During this stage, babies develop their eating skills, preferences, and independence with food. Encourage self-feeding as much as possible, but keep an eye on portion sizes to ensure they don’t fill up on snacks and avoid their main meals.

Managing Additional Needs During Weaning

Some babies might have specific requirements or challenges during weaning. These could include:

• Allergies: Introduce common allergens (such as nuts, eggs, or fish) one at a time in small amounts to monitor for any reaction. Speak to parents or carers and health professionals if there is a family history of allergies.
• Vegetarian or Vegan Diets: Babies can thrive on these diets if they are given appropriate alternatives to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients, including iron, B12, and protein.
• Food Intolerances: Certain babies might display symptoms like rashes, stomach discomfort, or diarrhoea after certain foods. If so, seek medical advice to understand the cause.
• Premature Babies: Their developmental stage should guide the timing and progression of weaning instead of their age since they may be slightly behind full-term babies.

Safety Considerations During Weaning

It’s important to ensure the weaning process is safe. Key points include:

• Always supervise a baby while eating to reduce the risk of choking.
• Avoid foods that may cause choking, such as whole nuts, whole grapes, or raw hard vegetables.
• Make sure foods are cooked thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
• Do not add salt, sugar, or honey to their food, especially before 12 months.
• Keep feeding equipment, such as spoons, bowls, and high chairs, clean.

Final Thoughts

Weaning is a gradual and flexible process. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, as every baby is different. The key aim is to introduce them to a variety of foods and textures to support their growth and development, as well as lay the foundation for healthy eating habits. Patience and support during the process will help babies build positive associations with mealtimes and ensure they get the nutrition they need.