First steps
A guide to weaning
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life. During this time, breast milk provides all the nutrients your baby requires. It is then advised that mothers continue to breastfeed in combination with suitably nutritious and safe complementary foods until their child is two years of age or older. If your baby is formula-fed, the weaning process may begin slightly earlier, between 4-6 months of age.
Weaning requires patience and plenty of time. Your baby is learning the first new skill of his or her life and the first response to food from a spoon is usually to spit it right back out! It may take time to establish a regular eating pattern throughout the day. As well as getting your baby into a routine, variety needs to be established early on. One or two teaspoons of baby food a day is ideal to start with and should gradually increased over the weeks.