Early Weaning

If your baby is over 17 weeks and having 5–6 full milk feeds, and still not managing to go happily between feeds, it is possible that he may need to be weaned early. Check the signs mentioned earlier that indicate that your baby is no longer satisfied by milk alone. I would then suggest that you keep a feeding and sleeping diary for 3–4 days to show to your health visitor or doctor so they can help you decide whether your baby should be weaned early. If they do advise that you should introduce solids before the recommended age of six months it is important to remember that milk is still the most important food, as it provides your baby with the right balance of vitamins and minerals. Solids given during early weaning should be classed as fillers, which should be increased very slowly over several weeks, gradually preparing your baby for three meals a day between six and seven months. By always offering the milk first, you will ensure that his daily milk intake does not decrease too rapidly if you have been advised to wean early.

It is also very important if you are weaning early to ensure that the foods you offer your baby are all from the first stage baby foods (see here), and that you do not start to introduce foods too early which could put your baby at risk of allergies.

 

Introducing solid food

• When to wean
• Early weaning
• Which foods?
• Preparing and cooking food for your baby
• First stage weaning
• Weaning guidelines
• Early weaning at 4-5 months
• Introducing protein at 6 months
• Introducing solids at 6 months
• The 10pm feed
• Introducing solids at 11am
• Introducing solids in the evening
• Weaning plan at 4-5 months (Download PDF)
• Weaning plan at 5-6 months (Download PDF)
• Weaning plan at 6-7 months (Download PDF)

Quick links to important information