How to Wean a Baby: 5 Weaning Tips

If your baby has started watching you eat at mealtimes, no longer shows signs of the tongue thrust reflex, or can sit up and hold his or her head upright – then it’s time to start the weaning process. Many parents wonder, “What are the best starter foods to wean baby?”, “Should I make homemade baby food?”, “Do I need a baby food maker?” and “How fast should new foods be introduced?

You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. Learning how to wean a baby can feel stressful with so many foods, tips, and changes– we’re here to help you narrow these down!

Here’s what you need to know as your little one enters a brand new phase in life – eating solid foods.

1. Pick the best foods for weaning a baby. Age-appropriate and nutritious foods will be more appealing, will help your little one to grow, and will reduce stress and anxiety for everyone. Here are some suggestions when learning how to wean a baby off formula to food:

   Ages 4-6 months: when you’re first starting out with weaning a baby, choose a single-grain cereal. Start with a runnier consistency by adding plenty of breast milk or formula. Gradually thicken the cereal as baby gets used to this. Once your baby latches onto eating cereal, you’re ready to serve up some new & tastier options.

   Ages 6-8 months: Now it’s time for purees! Pureed fruits, veggies, and meats are new and exciting ways to tickle your tiny one’s taste buds! In terms of what to wean baby on, some favorite options are sweet potatoes, peas, green beans, chicken, bananas, avocado, strawberries, and more. There are many different approaches on the best foods for weaning a baby, but the key here is consistency. Try a new food for a few days before introducing the next one to make sure your baby likes it and isn’t allergic. One big thing to watch for: make sure that the pureed fruits, veggies, and meats are truly pureed and don’t pose a choking hazard.

   Ages 8-10 months: Time for hands-on eating: If your baby is starting to use his fingers to try and touch the spoon or explore the food you’re offering, it’s time to introduce finger foods into the weaning process. Soft foods like steamed vegetables or cut-up fruits are great options at this stage. And, as always, be sure to watch out for anything that can be a choking hazard. The best foods for weaning a baby encourage chewing and swallowing movements without posing a threat– softer mixtures should still be used when introducing baby to using a spoon themselves.

2. Go Homemade – It’s Super Easy and A Lot Better For Your Baby’s Development and Your Wallet: Seriously, making homemade baby food is as easy as heating up food in a microwave. But only if you have the right tools – which is where a baby food maker that steams and blends comes in handy. From starting to wean to eventually preparing full meals for your little one, you’ll constantly be buying new ingredients, foods to try, and supplies for favorite dishes. Cooking everything at home can save you time and money, and is the best way to wean baby and discover which foods they love the most.

   When learning how to wean a baby properly, pediatricians like Dr. Jacqueline Winkelmann (who was Chief of Staff at Children’s Hospital of Orange County) say that homemade baby food is so much better for your baby’s development. The reason is that you control the ingredients going into your baby’s tummy – so you can ensure your baby is getting plenty of nutrients and no salt and preservatives commonly found in store-bought baby food. Plus, homemade tastes fresher and better– knowing exactly what to wean baby on with the ingredients you choose yourself will only lead to smoother mealtimes! (Click here to watch Dr. Jacq’s video on the benefits of homemade baby food)
   

One more benefit of making your own homemade baby food – it’s a lot cheaper than buying pre-made baby food in jars or pouches. You can save $100 or more when you make your own baby food.

Good luck starting your baby on a lifetime of healthy eating habits! It’s easier than you think and better for your baby and your pocketbook!