Introducing your child’s first foods? Be prepared with this handy kit

When to Start Introducing Solid Foods

• Around 6 months: Most babies are ready to start complementary foods around this age, when breast milk or formula alone no longer meets all their nutritional needs.
• Signs of readiness: Sitting up with support, showing interest in food, and being able to move food from the front to the back of the mouth.
• A gradual process: Start with small amounts alongside regular milk feeds, not as a replacement.

Essential Equipment for Weaning

• For preparing food: A blender or hand-held masher for smooth purees; plastic bowls with suction cups to reduce spills and food-throwing.
• For feeding: Soft-tipped rubber spoons that are gentle on delicate gums, and wipe-clean bibs to manage the mess.
• For storage: Ice cube trays and freezer bags for batch-cooking and portioning purees; reusable pouches for on-the-go feeding.
• For mealtimes: A sturdy highchair with adjustable height, removable tray, and strong safety straps that grows with your child.

Best First Foods for Your Baby

• Start simple: Single-ingredient purees such as sweet potato, carrot, pumpkin, banana, or avocado introduce new flavours gently.
• Prioritise iron: Iron-rich foods like pureed meats, lentils, and iron-fortified infant cereals should be introduced early — iron stores from birth begin to deplete around 6 months.
• Be patient: It can take up to 8 exposures for a baby to accept a new flavour — persistence and patience are key during this phase.
• Progress gradually: Move from smooth purees to mashed and soft finger foods as your baby develops chewing skills.

Key Nutrients for the 6–12 Month Stage

• Iron: The most critical nutrient at this stage — essential for brain development and overall health as birth stores become depleted.
• Protein: From meats, fish, eggs, and legumes, supporting rapid cell growth, muscle development, and tissue repair.
• Calcium and vitamin D: Support bone formation as your baby becomes more physically active and begins weight-bearing movements.
• Fruits and vegetables: A variety provides vitamins A, C, and fibre for healthy digestion and development.

Tips for a Smooth Weaning Journey

• Quality over quantity: At 6–8 months, two-thirds of your baby's calories still come from breast milk or formula — think quality over quantity with the foods you offer.
• Fortified cereals: Options such as CERELAC provide easily digestible iron, protein, and carbohydrates — made with CHE Technology for easier digestion at this stage.
• Be a role model: Eat together as a family — babies are curious and more likely to try foods they see parents enjoying.
• Track progress: Keep a feeding schedule on the fridge to track what your baby has tried and how often — consistency builds acceptance over time.