Expert advice on introducing solid foods during weaning

Weaning is a stressful time for any parent. Stephanie from Daisy First Aid can’t tell you the number of times parents have come to her first aid classes terrified to start weaning and it something many mums attending my Wrigglers classes talk about in our weekly classes. But here’s the thing…babies are made to learn to eat! Of course, it can be scary, but it can hopefully be fun too! Here’s a list of Daisy First Aid’s Top Tips for weaning to try and make the process a little bit easier for you:

1 – Timing is everything​​​​​​​​

Don’t try and start weaning when your little one is tired or hungry – this would likely end in tears for both of you.​​​​​​​​ Do it when they’re happy and well rested. It’s also important to try and remain calm and relaxed during this process - the more relaxed you are the more relaxed they will be.

2 – Avoid metal spoons​​​​​​​​

These can easily get hot or cold and could burn your little one’s mouth. It’s best to stick with plastic spoons to begin with.

3 – Embrace the mess!​​​​​​​​

Weaning is a very messy business… try not to worry too much about the mess and focus on having fun with your baby! Getting a washable mat to put underneath baby’s highchair can help with the clean up operation. In my house we also have our food hoover – our beloved Frenchie Frank. He comes in handy when any food is dropped on the floor!

4 – Be allergy aware​​​​​​​​

We advise giving new foods in the morning or at lunchtime – that way you’ll be able to spot an allergic reaction if one develops.​​​​​​​​ It can also be helpful to keep a food diary so you know what you have given and when. Another helpful tip is to give new foods 3 days apart, that way you can tell which new foods may have caused a reaction.Look out for the ABC symptoms (Airway, Breathing, Circulation / Consciousness) that could indicate a severe allergic reaction and get help straight away.

5 – Cut it lengthways​​​​​​​​

Most people are aware of the dangers of grapes due to their size and shape but there are other foods that also can be a choking hazard. Blueberries, sausages, cherry tomatoes, olives, and anything else disc shaped or round needs to be cut in half lengthways or into quarters. For hard foods such as cucumber and apple, slice it thinly or grate it rather than giving them large chunks to chew on.​​​​​​​​ This means that even if your child takes a big bite – it is less likely to cause a full blockage of the airway.

6 – Know what foods to avoid​​​​​​​​

Honey

In rare cases honey can cause infant botulism, which is a very serious illness, so the NHS advises not to give honey until after 12 months. It also contains lots of sugar so isn’t great for those little teeth.

Whole nuts and peanuts

Whole nuts are a choking hazard. Babies can have nuts but they must be crushed, ground or given in nut butter.

If there’s a history of food allergies or other allergies in your family, talk to your GP or health visitor before introducing nuts and peanuts.

Salt

Salt isn’t good for babies’ kidneys so they shouldn’t have much of it. Don’t add salt to cooking or give them very salty food. Stock cubes often contain lots of salt so if you’re cooking with them look out for the low salt alternatives.

Some cheeses

Babies can eat pasteurised full-fat cheese from 6 months old. This includes hard cheeses, such as mild cheddar cheese, cottage cheese and cream cheese.

They shouldn’t eat mould-ripened soft cheeses, such as brie or camembert, or ripened goats’ milk cheese and soft blue-veined cheese, such as roquefort. There’s a higher risk that these cheeses might carry a bacteria called listeria.

7 – Know the difference between gagging & choking​​​​​​​​

Worries about choking are very common but gagging and mild choking are a completely normal part of the weaning process. Make sure you know how to spot when your baby is choking and needs your help. Lots of people often assume that they will be able to hear when their little one is choking, however severe choking is normally silent as no air is able to get in or out of the airway.​​​​​​​ If your child is choking severely you’ll need to act fast to help remove the blockage.

8 – Do a Daisy First Aid class! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

On a Daisy First Aid class we’ll teach you all about allergies, choking and LOTS more so why not do a class before you wean your baby, so you are fully prepared and feeling confident. Contact me at stephanie@daisyfirstaid.com if you have any questions or would like to book a class. We offer venue classes across central Scotland and private home classes for 4 or more people. Perfect if you have any friends or family who also want to learn these life saving skills!

The next first aid workshop will be in early Feb 2024 at 9.30am in Airdrie to book in visit our classes page or click HERE TO BOOK