Lucy Jones Blog

The Baby Chef train is finally gathering some speed. As part of this, I am being asked to do more online information pieces for infant weaning. Most recently I have done a piece on top ten foods to give your infant for ivillage.co.uk. I'd love to hear your thoughts, it was so hard picking just ten as of course, the more variety of foods you include, the more variety of nutrients you get!!!

http://www.ivillage.co.uk/parenting/picturegallery/popup/0,,718710,00.html

Q - My baby is currently 18 weeks old and is waking in the night for extra breast feeds. I'm worried that she is not getting all the nutrition she needs. Should I start weaning?

A - The Department of Health says its best to commence weaning at six months old. Until this time, breast or formula milk will provide all of the nutrients your baby needs.

Waking more often at night is actually very normal between three and five months old and not necessarily a hunger sign, meaning starting solids may not result in a better night's sleep.

Try giving extra milk before considering trying solids. Other signs that your baby might be ready to take solids include holding her head up, reaching and grabbing things, making chewing motions and putting things in her mouth, showing an interest in food and sitting well supported.

If you start weaning before six months, there are many foods which you need to avoid. Because of this, it is best to discuss it first with your health professional.

Q - I read that yellowy / orange foods were good for my baby's stomach. Is that true, and if so why?

A - There is a common misconception that yellowy/orange foods are easier to digest for babies. Most of these foods are used for stage one weaning because they will blend down to a smooth puree but all foods identified for stage one weaning are fine.

There is no scientific proof that they are easier to digest and if we look at baby led weaning, the child starts off with finger foods straight away at six months.

Q - If you could give one piece of nutrition advice to new parents, what would it be?

A - I would give two. The first is to relax and enjoy – weaning has occurred since the beginning of mankind. The second piece would be to wean on a large variety of foods.

This will ensure that your baby gets a good range of nutrients and will also help to improve acceptance to different foods and prevent fussy eating.

Q - My baby really likes fruit, but doesn't seem interested in veg. Can they have too much of one thing, and should I try to encourage them onto other things?

A - It’s important to introduce lots of different tastes and textures to prevent fussy eating later on. Why not try giving vegetables as a finger food such as a carrot baton?

Also, babies like familiar foods and will often accept something once it’s been offered in excess of 10 times – but never force.

As weaning progresses, you can also mix cooked vegetables with other foods such as minced meat to make a bolognaise.

Q - My baby has a healthy, varied diet, but they don't want to eat carrots or peas. Should I worry that they won't eat particular foods?

A - Not everyone likes all foods. Offering food to your baby regularly will often result in acceptance later. Set a good example by eating a variety yourself and if the rest of the diet is adequate, don’t worry.

Simply leave that food type now and try again in a week or so.

Q - Is there a recommended portion to give my baby? I am worried about them eating too much, too early.

A - Your baby is your best guide to portions. Initially they will only have a small taste or a few teaspoonfuls. This will build up gradually and should be guided by your baby's appetite.

We base our stage 1 portions on 50g pots but this isn't necessarily a target for mealtimes.

Q - I have an allergy to certain food types. Does this put my baby at more risk, and what precautions can I take to minimise this?

A -Babies are more likely to develop allergies if there’s a family history of eczema, asthma or hayfever. In this group, exclusive breast feeding is particularly recommended for six months.

Then, during weaning, introduction of foods known to commonly cause allergies should be done one at a time so you can spot any reactions. In this group, you should avoid peanuts and food containing peanuts until your child is three.

Common allergy foods include milk, eggs, wheat, nuts, seeds, fish and shellfish.

Q - How long should a typical mealtime last?

A - Generally a typical mealtime should not last longer than 20 minutes. After this time your baby will lose interest and is likely to no longer be hungry.

Don’t force them to finish. Simply take away the remaining food.