Introducing baby to solids - time to get into good habits

Mothers often panic when faced with moving from a total milk diet to one including solids.

The objective is to educate baby’s taste - encouraging the discovery of colours, smells and textures.

As a general rule milk only should be given until six months, then you can start introducing pureed vegetables and/or fruit. But every baby is different, so talk to your doctor to see when the time is right to make the switch..

Joining the family table

From 6-8 months onwards, when you start to diversify baby's diet, you can place him at the dining table with the rest of the family. Be sure to adapt each meal to his needs - and his small stomach.

It is easy to take baby’s share out of the family menu and cut preparation time enormously. However to suit the very small (especially those less than a year old) please remember...

1) Oil, vinegar or zest of lemon will dress salads for the all family but not for baby.

2) No salt at all before the first birthday, and less than you would add for older children.

3) Pepper, mustard, chilli/spices should in general only be used for older children.

4) Avoid sauces with butter or mayonnaise as baby cannot digest these..