When and How to Start Weaning
Weaning (complementary feeding) is the gradual transition from breast milk or formula to solid foods. The WHO recommends starting at 6 months of age, when milk alone no longer covers all nutritional needs, particularly iron and zinc.
The 4 Stages of Weaning
Pediatric guidelines suggest gradual food introduction:
Stage 1 (6 months): First tastes with very smooth consistency. Rice cereal, simple vegetable purees, and blended fruit. A teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil in the meal.
Stage 2 (7-8 months): Diet expands to include cereals with gluten, pureed white meat, strained legumes, and fresh dairy like yogurt and ricotta.
Stage 3 (9-11 months): Baby starts eating soft, small pieces. Fish, egg yolk, cooked tomato, and citrus fruits are introduced.
Stage 4 (12+ months): Adapted family food. The baby can eat almost everything with appropriate precautions on size and consistency.
Baby-Led Weaning vs. Traditional
Baby-led weaning offers the baby family foods in soft pieces without going through the puree stage. Scientific evidence shows both approaches are safe and effective. Many families adopt a combined approach.
Food Allergies: New Evidence
Contrary to past beliefs, delaying allergenic foods does not prevent allergies. Current guidelines recommend introducing all potentially allergenic foods (eggs, fish, peanuts, milk, gluten) before 12 months. Early introduction may actually have a protective effect.
Foods to Always Avoid
- Honey before 12 months (botulism risk)
- Added salt and sugar
- Whole nuts before age 3 (choking risk)
- Cow's milk as a drink before 12 months
- Choking hazard foods: whole grapes, hot dog rounds, whole olives