Helping Babies and Their Families Include Solid Foods

Babies everywhere go through weaning — the process of gradually changing from a diet of milk or formula to “solid” foods. Introducing new foods while still providing milk is sometimes called “complementary feeding.” Together, all the food sources give the baby enough daily calories, protein, and other nutrients. This blog offers suggestions for early care and education programs as they support children through the weaning process.

Weaning Is a Natural, But Stressful Transition

Families in your program may get weaning advice from many sources, including health care providers, baby books, and social media influencers. In some cultures, mothers-in-law have the last word on how it’s done. Immigrant families may bring ideas about infant feeding and weaning that differ from what’s expected here. Parents who feed their little ones out in public may find that even random strangers feel free to offer advice about the baby’s eating habits! Conflicting messages can lead to worries that “we’re doing it wrong.”

Weaning brings up mixed emotions. It is a sign of growing independence. But baby and adult may miss the routine and closeness of nursing or bottle feeding. It can feel like a kind of separation. New feeding skills can be exciting, but babies may get frustrated and fussy. They may lose a little weight. An infant-toddler teacher recently told me that parents in her program worry about making sure their babies get enough to eat. They are also concerned about choking, and may hesitate to offer pieces of food along with purees.

Treat the Transition as a Cooperative Effort

You might ease parents’ isolation, worry, and guilt by pointing out that the transition to solids is a team effort. Baby, family, and caregivers collaborate so baby can master spoon-feeding, finger-feeding, and using utensils.

Adults plan menus, fix foods, make sure the baby doesn’t choke, teach them to use a cup and utensils, watch their signals (hungry/full, yum/yuck), and clean up after meals. Babies work hard, too. They learn new physical skills, try new tastes and textures, and communicate their likes and dislikes.

Share Information

Providing information is an important way to support families. Explain how your program handles feeding and weaning, and why. For example, state-licensed programs must meet all official standards related to children’s feeding and nutrition. How does your program meet or exceed those requirements? What’s on your menu? Where do babies sit for meals when they’re ready to try solids? Do you encourage them to socialize during meals? How do you prevent choking?

Many families welcome check-ins about feeding progress. Did Kam reach for the spoon today? Did Riley eat a whole bowl of mashed sweet potato? Parents want to know! Daily communication is a chance to ask how feeding is going at home, too.

Offer family-friendly books, articles, and resource lists about introducing solids. Baby Self-Feeding by Nancy Ripton and Melanie Potock provides general information. Invite guest speakers to address topics such as baby-led weaning or making baby foods at home.

Information exchange needs to be two-way. Discuss families’ ideas and feelings about weaning. What expectations do they have for their baby’s transition to solids? Where do they look for advice? What concerns do they have?

Navigate Differences with Thoughtful Planning

Cultural practices, individual preferences, and children’s particular needs affect how families wean children to solids. Families and infant-toddler caregivers sometimes differ in areas such as

• When to start solids
• How long to breast- or bottle-feed
• What foods to start with, when to add others, and what to avoid
• How much adults should control the process, and how much should be led by babies’ interests, likes, and dislikes.

When there are differences with an individual family, create a plan together that addresses their concerns, your program’s policies, and the baby’s needs. If compromise is difficult, clearly state the program’s position. “We know that at home, Timmy doesn’t get to handle the food. But here, all babies can handle food if they want, so they can learn to feed themselves. We’re okay with cleaning up the mess.”

Special Considerations

Some children need extra care and attention as they transition to solids.

• Babies who have swallowing difficulties or disabilities that impact eating need early intervention services. A speech and language pathologist, nutritionist, or other specialist is part of the team that develops a feeding plan.
• For children with food allergies, careful menu planning and clear communication with all staff members are essential.

Feeding Challenges in Young Children by Deborah Bruns and Stacy D. Thompson is a good resource to share with families who have specific concerns.

IEL Resources

• Resource List: Babies, Families, and Food: The Transition to Solids