The following extracts have been taken from
the Department of Health’s leaflet, ‘Weaning: starting solid food’ (Jan 2008).
Six
months is the best age for introducing solids. Before this, your baby’s digestive system
is still developing and weaning too soon may increase the risk of infections
and allergies. Weaning is also easier at six months. If your baby seems
hungrier at any time before six months, they may be having a growth spurt, and
extra breast or formula milk will be enough to meet their needs.
If you
decide to wean at any time before six months, there are some foods that should
be avoided as they may cause allergies or make your baby ill.
These include wheat-based foods and other foods containing gluten (e.g. bread,
rusks,
some breakfast cereals), eggs, fish, shellfish,
nuts, seeds and soft and unpasteurised cheeses. Ask your health visitor for
advice, especially if your baby was premature.
Solid
foods should never be introduced before four months.
You
will find that as your baby eats more solid foods, the amount of milk your baby
wants will start to reduce. Once your baby is eating plenty of solids several
times a day, you can drop a milk feed but continue to breastfeed or give 500–600ml
(about a pint) of infant formula a day until at least 12 months of age.
Breastfeeding will continue to benefit you and your baby for as long as you choose
to carry on.
Cow’s
milk is not suitable as a drink until your baby is 12 months old but can be used in
cooking.
Vitamin
D is
naturally present in only a few foods such as fortified margarines, eggs and
fatty fish. It is also made naturally in the skin when it is exposed to gentle
sunlight. It is sensible to give all children vitamin drops with vitamins A, C and
D from the age of one to five years old. Breastfed babies and babies drinking
less than 500ml of infant formula milk per day should begin vitamin drops at
six months, or earlier if advised by your health visitor or doctor.
Babies
are more likely to develop allergies if there is a family history of eczema,
asthma or hayfever. For these families, exclusive breastfeeding is
particularly recommended for the first six months. Introduce the foods that
commonly cause allergies (milk, eggs, wheat, nuts, seeds, fish and shellfish)
one at a time so that you can spot any reaction, but don’t introduce any of
these foods before six months. Avoid giving peanuts and foods containing peanut
products, e.g. peanut butter or groundnut oil, until your child is three years
old.
Soya-based
infant formulas should only be used on the advice of your GP. Some babies who are
allergic to cow’s milk may also be allergic to soya. Infant formulas based on
goat’s milk protein have not been approved for use in Europe.
Foods
to avoid
·
SALT (which contains sodium)
Do not add any salt to foods for babies. Do
not use stock cubes or gravy in your baby’s food as they are often high in
salt. When you are cooking for the family, do not add salt, so your baby can
share the family foods.
·
SUGAR
Sugar can encourage a sweet tooth and lead to
tooth decay when first teeth start to come through. Try mashed banana, breast
or formula milk to sweeten food if necessary.
·
HONEY
Don’t give honey until your baby is one year
old. Very occasionally, it can contain a type of bacteria, which can produce
toxins in the baby’s intestines and can cause a very serious illness (infant
botulism). Remember that honey is also a sugar and can lead to tooth decay.
·
NUTS
Whole nuts, including peanuts, should not be
given to children under five years in case of choking.
·
LOW-FAT FOODS
Low-fat foods, whether yoghurt, fromage
frais, cheese or fat spreads are not suitable for babies or children under two.
Fat is an important source of calories and some vitamins which they need.
Department of Health (www.dh.gov.uk)
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