Is my baby ready to start complementary feeding?

  • Ergobaby
  • Mar 22, 2023

You’ve finally mastered milk feeds with your little one and then suddenly it’s time to start introducing them to the wonderful world of solid foods….

It can be an exciting and messy adventure, but fear not, we are here to help you navigate the weaning journey.

Perhaps you have noticed lately that your little one has started to learn how to self-regulate for themself? Your little one is probably more aware of their surroundings, can hold their head on their own and sit up unaided.

Your baby may be able to coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so that they can look at toys or food, pick them up and possibly place them in their mouth. If so, these are signs that your baby is ready for complementary feeding. What does this mean?

Baby food – step by step to solid food

Baby’s transition to solid foods like porridge or soft vegetables begins when they are about six months old. Whether your baby is on breast/chest milk or formula milk, this is the time to introduce them to a varied diet.  Breast/chest milk is no longer enough to make your baby “big and strong”. Of course, this does not mean that you have to stop breast/chest feeding all together.  Solid food is not a substitute, but in addition to the breast/chest milk they are used to. That is why it is called “complementary food”. Your baby learns to move food around in their mouth with its tongue, to chew and gradually swallow it.

What do I need to start baby weaning?

  1. A high chair: For your baby to be able to swallow properly, they must sit securely and strapped in an upright position.  Of course, this is also possible on your lap in the beginning – but anyone who has tried this method knows that this makes quite a mess. You can read more about how to choose the perfect high chair for your family here: (link to blog:) https://ergobaby.co.uk/blog/how-to-choose-the-perfect-high-chair-for-

your-family/

  • Baby friendly cutlery set: To protect your baby’s sensitive gums and teeth, the first foods should not be fed with metal spoons. Silicone, plastic or rubber spoons are better. Shop our feeding collection here.
  • A feeding cup: Encourage your little one to drink water from a cup instead of a bottle during mealtimes. Open cups or sippy cups (without a valve) helps them to learn to swallow and are better for their teeth.
  • Recycled plastic or wooden bowls:  Those with a suction base are best, otherwise they are likely to end up on the floor!
  • Stock up on ice cube trays: You can freeze many small portions of your baby’s favourite meals in ice cube trays and defrost them quickly and easily as your baby’s needs grow.
  • Plenty of bibs: Sure, things will go wrong in the beginning. That’s why you can’t have enough bibs. The more active your baby is, the greater the probability that their bib will be pulled off!

The Evolve Highchair – the next step for your growing baby

The Evolve High Chair is designed to grow with your child.  From a comfortable high chair, to a robust chair, to an interactive kitchen helper. It accompanies your child from six months to three years old – and beyond.

The Evolve High Chair lets your baby experience their first solid foods in comfort.

Thanks to the ergonomic seat for optimal support, you can always adapt the chair to the respective needs of your child according to the growth stages.

As soon as your toddler can sit freely at the table, the high chair transforms into a practical chair to enjoy family meal times.

Last but not least, the Kitchen Helper helps you to turn the chair into a learning tower without any tools. Ideal for experimenting together in the kitchen.

The 3-in-1 Evolve High Chair is easy to clean with its wipe-clean seat and removable, dishwasher-safe tray.

It folds compactly for storage and keeps your baby securely in place with an easy-to-use 5-point harness.

Choose from two timeless designs Natural Wood or Dark Wood: Shop the Evolve 3 in 1 High Chair here.

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