Feeding, Weaning & Nutrition

Introducing solids is a major milestone—food becomes more than just nutrition; it’s an opportunity for exploration, new tastes, textures, and gradually shifting feeding dynamics. Starting around 6 months, many babies are ready to try solids if they have certain developmental signs. Doing it safely and gradually helps reduce risk of allergies and ensures good nutrition.

Signs of readiness usually appear around 6 months and include: sitting with minimal support, good head and neck control, showing interest in what you eat (reaching or watching), and diminishing tongue-thrust reflex (less automatically pushing food out with tongue). Some pediatricians also note that doubling birth weight is a typical benchmark.

Begin with iron-rich options such as iron-fortified cereals, pureed meats or legumes. Then introduce pureed or mashed vegetables and fruits. Soft, easily swallowable textures help. Introduce one new food at a time and wait 3 days before adding another to watch for allergic reactions.

Introduce allergens like peanuts, eggs, and dairy around 6 months, after other solids are tolerated. Offer one at a time, in small amounts, and watch for reactions over several hours. Early introduction may actually reduce the risk of developing food allergies. Always consult your pediatrician if your baby has eczema or a family history of allergies.

Both methods are valid. Baby-led weaning allows babies to self-feed safe, soft finger foods and helps with motor skills and texture exploration. Purees offer spoon-feeding and may be easier at first or for certain babies. Many families use a combo: start with purees, then gradually introduce finger foods as coordination improves.

Weaning is a gradual and emotional process that looks different for every family. Some babies naturally lose interest in nursing or bottles, while others need more guidance and comfort through the transition. Whether you start at 12 months or later, going slowly and following your child’s cues can make the shift smoother for both of you.

The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months, and many families begin weaning between 12–24 months. The exact timing depends on your child’s readiness, your lifestyle, and your comfort. Some children wean earlier, while others continue into toddlerhood.

Around 12 months, begin introducing a sippy cup, straw cup, or open training cup with water or small amounts of milk. Replace one daytime bottle at a time with a cup feeding. By 18 months, most children can drink exclusively from cups.

Readiness cues may include:

• Showing more interest in solid foods
• Drinking well from a cup
• Nursing or bottle-feeding less often
• Self-soothing without always relying on milk

Weaning can feel bittersweet. Ease the process by dropping one feeding at a time, offering extra cuddles and comfort, and staying consistent even if your child resists. Remember, it’s normal for both you and your child to feel emotional—this is the close of one chapter and the start of another.

Yes. Many families choose partial weaning—keeping morning and bedtime feedings while replacing others with solids or cups.

The process can take weeks to months depending on whether it’s child-led or parent-led. Gradual weaning usually feels gentler for both parent and child.

As babies grow, their feeding patterns shift from frequent milk-only feeds to a mix of meals, snacks, and milk. By toddlerhood, kids thrive on three balanced meals and healthy snacks in between. Following age-appropriate guidelines helps ensure they get the nutrients they need without overfeeding or constant grazing.

As babies grow, their feeding patterns shift from frequent milk-only feeds to a mix of meals, snacks, and milk. By toddlerhood, kids thrive on three balanced meals and healthy snacks in between. Following age-appropriate guidelines helps ensure they get the nutrients they need without overfeeding or constant grazing.

Toddlers thrive on three balanced meals and 2–3 snacks each day. Small, frequent offerings help meet their energy needs and keep blood sugar steady. Meals don’t need to be large—a toddler’s stomach is only about the size of their fist.

Between 6–12 months, breast milk or formula should still be the primary source of nutrition. Offer milk first, then solids about 30–60 minutes later to avoid displacing calories from milk. After 12 months, solids become the main source of nutrition, and milk becomes a complement.

Snacks are usually introduced around 12 months, when babies shift into toddler eating patterns. Healthy snack options—like fruit slices, cheese, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers—help fill gaps between meals and support energy needs.

Toddlers thrive on consistency. Aim for meals around the same times each day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with snacks in between.

Yes—more than 24 ounces per day can reduce appetite for solids and increase the risk of iron deficiency. Stick to 16–24 ounces daily after age 1.

Toddlers grow quickly and need balanced meals that provide steady energy, nutrients, and variety. While picky eating is common at this stage, consistency and exposure help build long-term healthy habits. Offering age-appropriate portions from all food groups—proteins, grains, fruits, veggies, and dairy—supports their growth and development. Water should be their main drink throughout the day, and vitamins are usually unnecessary unless recommended by a pediatrician.

A balanced toddler meal includes:

• Protein: eggs, chicken, beans, or fish
• Whole grains: oatmeal, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta
• Fruits and vegetables: soft-cut pieces or purees
• Dairy: cheese, yogurt, or milk

Small, manageable portions served family-style encourage independence and help toddlers explore variety.

Picky eating is a normal toddler phase. You can help by continuing to offer rejected foods without pressure, modeling healthy eating yourself, and serving small portions alongside familiar favorites. Keep mealtimes positive and stress-free—patience and persistence usually pay off.

Most toddlers get what they need from a balanced diet. Multivitamins may be helpful if your child is an extremely selective eater, follows a restricted diet, or has a diagnosed deficiency. Always talk with your pediatrician before starting supplements.

Toddlers generally need 1–4 cups (8–32 ounces) of water per day, depending on age, activity, and climate. Offer water with meals and snacks, but avoid letting it replace nutritious foods or milk.

After age 1, toddlers should drink about 16–24 ounces of whole milk daily, but no more—too much milk can reduce appetite for solids and contribute to iron deficiency.

A good rule of thumb is one tablespoon of each food group per year of age, offered at meals, and more if your toddler is still hungry.

Food safety is critical in the early years, when little ones are learning to chew and swallow and their immune systems are still developing. Avoiding choking hazards, introducing allergens safely, and recognizing allergy symptoms early keeps mealtime both safe and enjoyable.

Allergic reactions can appear within minutes or up to two hours after eating. Signs include:

• Hives or rash
• Swelling of the lips, face, or eyes
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing

Seek immediate medical attention for severe reactions.

The top nine allergens in children are:

1. Cow’s milk
2. Eggs
3. Peanuts
4. Tree nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts)
5. Soy
6. Wheat
7. Fish
8. Shellfish
9. Sesame

Introduce these gradually after 6 months, one at a time.

Offer allergenic foods like peanut butter thinned with water, scrambled eggs, or yogurt in very small amounts, one at a time, and wait a few days before introducing another.

If it’s mild (like a small rash), stop offering that food and call your pediatrician for advice before trying again. For any severe reaction, seek emergency care immediately.

Prevent choking by cutting foods into small, age-appropriate pieces and avoiding risky foods like whole grapes, hot dogs, popcorn, nuts, and hard candies until at least age 4. Always supervise eating and encourage toddlers to sit while eating rather than walk or play.

No—babies under 12 months should never eat honey because of the risk of infant botulism. After their first birthday, honey can be safely introduced.

Mealtime doesn’t require a mountain of gadgets—just the right essentials that simplify feeding while encouraging independence. Compact high chairs, silicone bibs, suction plates, and soft baby spoons all help reduce mess, save time, and give little ones confidence as they learn to self-feed. Choosing quality gear also makes transitions smoother as babies move from purees to finger foods and beyond.

Compact, foldable, or clip-on high chairs are ideal for small homes or apartments. Options like the Inglesina Fast Table Chair (clips directly to most tables) and the Stokke Clikk (lightweight and slim) are popular choices. Always check safety ratings, weight limits, and ease of cleaning before buying.

Not essential, but definitely helpful. Suction plates and bowls minimize spills by sticking to the table or tray, which is great for toddlers who like to toss their dishes. Food-grade silicone options are durable, dishwasher-safe, and designed with self-feeding in mind.

Not essential, but definitely helpful. Suction plates and bowls minimize spills by sticking to the table or tray, which is great for toddlers who like to toss their dishes. Food-grade silicone options are durable, dishwasher-safe, and designed with self-feeding in mind.

Silicone bibs shine during meals because they’re waterproof, wipeable, and feature a catch pocket to snag dropped food. Cloth bibs are softer and better suited for everyday drooling. Most families use both—cloth during the day, silicone at the table.

Feeding isn’t always predictable—growth spurts, teething, reflux, and changing hunger patterns can all shake things up. Most bumps are temporary, but knowing what’s normal (and when to call your pediatrician) can help ease worries and keep your baby on track.

Yes. Sore gums can make babies fussier and less interested in feeding. Chilled teething toys before meals, softer foods, and extra patience usually help. Appetite tends to bounce back once the tooth cuts through.

In the newborn stage, yes. Babies often need to be woken every 2–3 hours to feed and support weight gain. Once your pediatrician confirms steady growth, you can usually let older babies sleep until they wake naturally.

Signs include frequent spit-up, irritability during or after feeding, arching the back, or slow weight gain. Mild reflux is common and often improves with time. If symptoms are severe or persistent, check with your pediatrician.

Offer smaller, more frequent feeds, keep hydration a priority, and follow your pediatrician’s advice if intake drops significantly.

Continue offering milk first until 12 months; sometimes babies go through phases of preference, but milk should remain their main nutrition until age one.