Weaning

Children around 5 or 6 months begin showing readiness to start eating solid foods. Signs of readiness for the weaning process include when children are:

• Capable of holding their head up

• Sitting stably

• Opening their mouth wide enough for a spoon or spears of food 

• Bringing their hands to and away from their mouth

• Showing interest in food that others are eating

• Swallowing thicker textured liquids adequately 

• Doubled in their weight since birth
   

To meet the needs of weaning in our classroom environment, we have low tables and a collaborative relationship with parents as they begin to introduce food to their children. We have weekly smoothie days, community meals and celebrations, sensory exploration with fruits and vegetables and encourage the use of utensils and open cups. You can take the baby led weaning approach which encourages independent eating from the start and involves all solid foods. It is important to follow the child’s lead and introduce them to a large variety of nutritious foods. Some children struggle with broadening their pallet. They are not receptive to different flavors or textures and they struggle to wean. In these scenarios, it is important to be consistent and continue introducing foods no matter how averse the child is. It should be provided in a pressure free way that merely provides exposure and opportunity. Force feeding and food restriction cause an unhealthy relationship to food and should be avoided at meal times!