In the early stages of introducing solids, the main goal is for your baby to become used to taking food from a spoon. You don’t need to give them too much food, as they'll still be getting most of their nutrition from milk. To start off with they will probably only be able to eat small amounts anyway. To start with offer one meal of solids a day, after baby’s normal milk feed. They will still need as much breast milk or formula as usual.
Messy meal times - you might find food gets everywhere but your baby's mouth! Try putting a really small amount on the spoon, and just prepare a little baby food to start with. You can always heat up more if your baby is still hungry afterwards. Go at your baby's pace - they'll decide when they have had enough.
Slow increases are best - over the next few weeks, you can gradually increase the amount of solids you give your baby, but always offer food after their milk feed. When baby is eating about ½ a cup of food at one meal, offer a second meal, and then eventually progress to three meals a day. Aim to be feeding baby two to three meals a day at around seven months.
Easy does it – every baby is different, so let their appetite guide you. Try introducing one food at a time and stick with it for two to four days before adding a new food.
More food, less milk - as your baby starts enjoying more solids you'll notice they may want less milk. They could want fewer feeds, or have less when they do feed. Remember at this stage milk is still their most important source of nutrition. At around 8-9 months solids may be given before milk.
