We want your little one to develop a lifelong positive relationship with food. Here are a few ways to set your baby off on the right track.
Starting with savoury
Starting weaning with green and white veg can help little ones get used to more bitter flavours early on. We’ve given you step-by-step guidance on one way to approach a savoury first 2 weeks in Our first tastes weaning planner.
Variety, variety, variety
Offering a variety of appropriate foods and textures is super-important. A rainbow of colours (see It’s a rainbow), different sources of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, and different herbs and spices will encourage your baby to accept new foods as he or she grows up, even into adulthood. Try to offer your baby different tastes every day.
Baby knows best
Most babies know when they’ve had enough to eat. Follow your baby’s lead. To tell you that enough is enough, babies might turn away their head, spit out their food, or push away the bowl or spoon.
Taking a turn
As soon as possible, put a spoon in your baby’s little hand to have a go – it’s a great way to learn the ropes!
Happy about food
Here are some more ideas on ways to make your baby’s mealtimes fun:
It’s a rainbow Presenting lots of colourful foods makes dishes look more appealing – and lots of colours indicate all-round nutritional content.
Story time Make up stories and songs involving broccoli trees, cauliflower sheep, strawberry hedgehogs…
Pick me up Give whole or chopped-up veg and fruit to your little one to hold – little fingers love to explore the textures. And encourage messy play with food, which can help babies develop a positive foody relationship.
Family experiences Eat together whenever you can, showing that mealtimes are sociable occasions.
