From 9 months
From 12 months
Fussy eaters
For your baby's first solid feeds, sit your baby on your lap or in a baby seat or highchair. Make sure they are securely strapped in. Using a baby spoon with smooth edges, take a small amount onto the tip of the spoon and then place the spoon well back over your baby's tongue. They may push the food back out, which is very normal. Remember that their
gag reflex is very strong and your baby is likely to gag frequently, which is quite different from
choking. Go slowly and at your baby's pace and then try again. Never force feed your baby.
You can offer 1 to 2 teaspoons of food once a day (morning or evening) until your baby takes it readily, then increase the amount a little each day. Once your baby is eating two tablespoons, you can start giving solid foods twice a day and build up the amounts at your baby's pace. Over the coming weeks begin to make the consistency of the food slightly thicker as they manage their food better. Once your baby is enjoying their solids, you can start introducing a wider range of foods. However, you do not need to rush this if your baby is not ready. Move at a pace that suits them. Your baby's meal times may become more structured over time and offering solids several times a day or eating with the rest of the family, depending on your baby's appetite.
From 9 months
Babies from nine months can have a variety of different foods and you may find it easier to just feed them what the family eats. Meals might include pasta and sauces, risotto, mince or meat balls, lentil loaf, couscous, pikelets etc. as well as mashed vegetables and other foods they are already used to. Desserts may include fruit muffins, bread and butter pudding, creamed rice or fruit jellies.
Chewing is important now to further develop their facial muscles and speech as well as extending the different types of foods they have in their diet.