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Nutrition for Pregnancy - British Nutrition Foundation 

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Nutrition for Pregnancy - British Nutrition Foundation 

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BNF

Pregnancy is an important life stage with many physiological changes and demands on your body to support a growing baby. Research shows that good nutrition before and during pregnancy is vitally important for your own wellbeing and your baby’s health. Not only during pregnancy, but also for your baby’s early and later life with consequences that could extend across generations.

But studies show that many women do not get enough of some key vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy pregnancy. So, if you are pregnant or trying for a baby, it is a great time to make sure that you are eating a healthy diet that provides all the essential nutrients for optimal fetal growth.

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Nutrition for Pregnancy - British Nutrition Foundation

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Being pregnant is a special time in your life. What you eat can not only influence your own health, but it can also affect the health of your baby.

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Speak to your health professional in Surrey 

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Speak to your health professional in Surrey 

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Maternity services in Surrey | Healthy Surrey

Antenatal virtual group ‘Bump and Beyond’ - » Antenatal

Breastfeeding support groups - » Breastfeeding Support Clinics

Advice line – 0300 247 0025

Child Health Clinics - » Child Health Clinic

Introducing Family Foods - » Introducing family foods (6 months+)

Surrey Children and Family Health website - surreychildandfamily.co.uk

Find a GP - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Breastfeeding and infant feeding (including breastfeeding support groups)

Safety advice

Online guides for understanding your baby and child

Dietetics :: Children and Family Health Surrey (childrenshealthsurrey.nhs.uk)

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Vitamin supplements

The government recommends all children aged 6 months to 5 years are given vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D every day.

Babies who are having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day should not be given vitamin supplements. This is because formula is fortified with vitamins A, C and D and other nutrients.

Babies who are being breastfed should be given a daily vitamin D supplement from birth, whether or not you're taking a supplement containing vitamin D yourself.

Where you can get baby vitamin drops

Your health visitor can give you advice on vitamin drops and tell you where to get them.

You're entitled to FREE vitamin drops if you qualify for Healthy Start.

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Vitamin supplements

The government recommends all children aged 6 months to 5 years are given vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D every day.

Babies who are having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day should not be given vitamin supplements. This is because formula is fortified with vitamins A, C and D and other nutrients.

Babies who are being breastfed should be given a daily vitamin D supplement from birth, whether or not you're taking a supplement containing vitamin D yourself.

Where you can get baby vitamin drops

Your health visitor can give you advice on vitamin drops and tell you where to get them.

You're entitled to free vitamin drops if you qualify for Healthy Start.

The Department of Health and Social Care only recommends vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D.

But some supplements you can buy contain other vitamins or ingredients. Talk to a pharmacist about which supplement would be most suitable for your child.

Having too much of some vitamins can be harmful. Keep to the dose recommended on the label, and be careful not to give your child 2 supplements at the same time.

For example, do not give them cod liver oil and vitamin drops because cod liver oil also contains vitamins A and D. One supplement on its own is enough, as long as it contains the recommended dose of vitamin D.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is only found in a few foods, such as oily fish and eggs. It's also added to some foods, such as fat spreads and breakfast cereals. But it's difficult to get enough vitamin D from food alone.

The main source of vitamin D is summer sunlight on our skin. But it's important to keep your child's skin safe in the sun.

Children should not be out in the sun too long in hot weather. Remember to cover up or protect their skin before it turns red or burns.

Young children should still have vitamin drops, even if they get out in the sun.

The Department of Health and Social Care recommends:

Babies from birth to 1 year of age who are being breastfed should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D to make sure they get enough. This is whether or not you're taking a supplement containing vitamin D yourself.

Babies fed infant formula should not be given a vitamin D supplement if they're having more than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day, because infant formula is fortified with vitamin D and other nutrients.

Children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for babies and young children, and some may not be getting enough.

It's needed for a healthy immune system, can help their vision in dim light, and keeps skin healthy.

Good sources of vitamin A include:

dairy products

fortified fat spreads

carrots, sweet potatoes, swede and mangoes

dark green vegetables, such as spinach, cabbage and broccoli

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is important for your child's general health and immune system. It can also help their body absorb iron.

Good sources of vitamin C include:

A balanced diet for babies and young children

It's important for children to eat a wide variety of foods to make sure they're getting all the energy and nutrients they need to grow and develop properly.

Get more advice and information on a balanced diet for babies and young children:

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Find out why vitamins are important for the health of your baby or young child, and which vitamin supplements they should take.

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More information is on the NHS page about Foods to avoid in pregnancy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

In summary, don't consume;

Raw, undercooked or tainted seafood

Undercooked meat, poultry or eggs

Seafood high in mercury

Unpasteurized food (soft cheeses, such as brie, feta and blue cheese, unless they're pasteurized)

Unwashed fruits and vegetables

Too much caffeine/herbal tea

Alcohol

It's important to continue to Have a healthy diet in pregnancy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

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Find out what food and drink you can have and what you should avoid or be careful with during pregnancy, such as some cheeses, meats, fish, eggs, nuts, caffeine and alcohol.

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Baby milk:

In the first six months of life, infants can get all the fluid and nutrients they need from breastmilk or from correctly made up infant formula, and there is no need to introduce other foods before an infant’s gut and swallow reflexes are not fully ready

Breastfeeding isn't always easy. Though 'Breastmilk is best' for babies, not everyone is able to, or wants to breastfeed. Support is available to help parents safely and responsively feed their babies, however they choose to do so

You can continue breastfeeding for as long as you both want

Parents may also decide they need to use formula on some occasions, while continuing to breastfeed. It is important to seek unbiased information on formula and other products that replace breastmilk

"Follow-on" formula is not suitable for babies under 6 months, and you do not need to introduce it after 6 months

Your baby is not ready to start food just because they are:

Chewing their fists

Wanting extra milk feeds

Waking up in the night more frequently

These are all normal developmental behaviours

Starting solids will not:

Make your baby sleep longer or better

Provide higher quality nutrition than breast/formula milk

delaying the introduction of peanut and hen's eggs beyond 6 to 12 months may increase the risk of developing an allergy to these foods

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Breast milk is the most optimal food for babies giving them all the nutrients they need for their first 6 months.

The NHS provide more information on breastfeeding.

You can visit a child health drop-in where you can speak to a health professional.

» Health Visiting 0-4 Years

Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Surrey Facebook page for top tips, videos and information.

Surrey have a Breastfeeding strategy - viewable here: Surrey Breastfeeding strategy 2023-2028 | Surrey-i (surreyi.gov.uk)

Colostrum: your first milk...

The fluid your breasts produce in the first few days after birth is called colostrum. It's thick and usually a golden yellow colour. It's a very concentrated food, so your baby will only need a small amount, about a teaspoonful, at each feed

Your baby may want to feed quite often, perhaps every hour to begin with. They'll begin to have fewer, but longer feeds once your breasts start to produce more "mature" milk after a few days

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During pregnancy

You can talk to your health visitor about all aspects of caring for and developing a relationship with your baby, feeding your baby including the benefits of breastfeeding.

This will provide you with information to support you to make an informed decision and get breastfeeding off to a good start and help them transition from 'womb to world'.

Watch this informative video about baby brain development, crying and postnatal wellbeing.

Colostrum collecting

Your midwife may have suggested you collect colostrum whilst pregnant. You can speak to your midwife about how to access the colostrum collecting syringes/kit.

Watch this video to find out more about collecting colostrum.

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You can talk to your health visitor about all aspects of caring for and developing a relationship with your baby, feeding your baby including the benefits of breastfeeding. This will provide you with information to support you to make an informed decision and get breastfeeding off to a good start and help them transition from 'womb to world'.

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Bottle feeding

Visit the First Steps Nutrition website for formula milk information.

If you are giving your baby a bottle feed, your health visitor will complete a bottle feeding assessment with you.

They will talk to you about:

how to responsively feed your baby

how to pace the bottle feeds

If you are giving your baby formula milk

talk to your health visitor about how to do this safely

You can telephone our  0-19 Advice Line where you can speak to a health professional.

Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Surrey Facebook page for top tips, videos and information.

For further information about formula milk, please visit the First Steps Nutrition website.

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During pregnancy

You can talk to your health visitor about all aspects of caring for and developing a relationship with your baby, feeding your baby including the benefits of breastfeeding.

This will provide you with information to support you to make an informed decision and get breastfeeding off to a good start and help them transition from 'womb to world'.

Watch this informative video about baby brain development, crying and postnatal wellbeing.

Colostrum collecting

Your midwife may have suggested you collect colostrum whilst pregnant. You can speak to your midwife about how to access the colostrum collecting syringes/kit.

Watch this video to find out more about collecting colostrum.

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You can talk to your health visitor about all aspects of caring for and developing a relationship with your baby, feeding your baby including the benefits of breastfeeding. This will provide you with information to support you to make an informed decision and get breastfeeding off to a good start and help them transition from 'womb to world'.

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'Baby led' and/or 'Spoon fed' approaches

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'Baby led' and/or 'Spoon fed' approaches

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There are two common methods when introducing food - baby led and spoon fed. You can adopt one or both methods.

Baby-led approach

Baby led weaning approaches skips the puree and mash stage and goes straight for 'finger foods'. ​

When following this approach, baby is in (near)complete control and has the chance to choose what they want to pick up, explore and taste and importantly when they want to stop eating

Baby led weaning exposes baby to a variety of textures and tastes from the beginning​

No need to prepare any special foods when following this approach but family meals will need to be modified to reduce salt and sugar

Spoon-fed approach

Spoon feeding approaches are where baby is given pureed or mashed foods from a spoon which is held and controlled by an adult

Soft, mashed foods will be offered first from 6 months with the aim of gradually introducing lumpier and more textured foods as the months go on

Provides your baby with the opportunity for them to hold their own spoon, or another spoon if you are feeding them

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1. From 6 months, not before

2. If your baby can sit upright and hold their head steady

3. Your baby is developing hand-eye-mouth coordination, so that they can begin to self-feed

4. Your baby has the ability to swallow foods instead of pushing the food back out

Top tips for getting started

Offer small amounts, your baby's tummy is small

It takes time, go at your baby's pace

Be patient and keep offering a variety of foods

Let your baby enjoy touching and holding the food

Keep distractions to a minimum

Show them how you eat

Single vegetables and fruits are best to try first

Mashed or soft cooked sticks of vegetables or fruits (preferably not too sweet)

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Start 4 Life video on weaning

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Start4Life – Getting started with weaning

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Introducing foods safely

When you start introducing solid foods to your baby from around 6 months, introduce the foods that can trigger allergic reactions 1 at a time and in very small amounts so that you can spot any reaction.

If your baby already has an allergy, such as a diagnosed food allergy or eczema, or if you have a family history of food allergies, eczema, asthma or hay fever, you may need to be particularly careful when introducing foods. Talk to your GP or health visitor first.

Foods that can trigger an allergic reaction can include:

cows' milk

eggs (eggs without a red lion stamp should not be eaten raw or lightly cooked)

foods that contain gluten, including wheat, barley and rye

nuts and peanuts (serve them crushed or ground)

seeds (serve them crushed or ground)

soya

shellfish (do not serve raw or lightly cooked)

fish

These foods can be introduced from around 6 months as part of your baby's diet, just like any other foods.

Once introduced and if tolerated, these foods should become part of your baby's usual diet to minimise the risk of allergy.

Evidence has shown that delaying the introduction of peanut and hen's eggs beyond 6 to 12 months may increase the risk of developing an allergy to these foods.

Lots of children outgrow their allergies to milk or eggs, but a peanut allergy is generally lifelong.

If your child has a food allergy, read food labels carefully. Avoid foods if you're not sure whether they contain the food your child is allergic to.

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Introducing foods safely

When you start introducing solid foods to your baby from around 6 months, introduce the foods that can trigger allergic reactions 1 at a time and in very small amounts so that you can spot any reaction.

What foods to introduce

These foods can be introduced from around 6 months as part of your baby's diet, just like any others:

cows' milk (in cooking or mixed with other food)

eggs

foods that contain gluten, including wheat, barley and rye

nuts and peanuts (serve them crushed or ground)

seeds (serve them crushed or ground)

soya

fish

shellfish (do not serve raw or lightly cooked)

Once introduced and if tolerated, keep offering those foods as part of your baby's usual diet to minimise the risk of allergy.

Evidence has shown that delaying introducing peanuts and hens' eggs after 6 to 12 months may increase the risk of developing an allergy to them.

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Introducing foods that could trigger an allergic reaction - Start for Life

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Find out what types of foods may cause an allergic reaction and how to safely introduce them to your baby's diet, as well as how to spot the signs of food allergy.

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When babies start weaning, gagging on food is quite normal, but choking is dangerous. A key difference between gagging and choking is:

'If they are loud and red, let them go ahead' and 'if they are silent and blue, they need help from you!'

Foods like grapes or berries should be cut in to quarters lengthways, up to the age of six (NHS recommendation).

To help prevent choking you can peel the skin off fruit, vegetables and sausages.​

Cut foods like sausages into small bite-size pieces instead of slicing them into circles​.

Choking: what to do (click on the video link image for more information)

If you think your child is choking and cannot breathe properly:

shout for help

get them out of the high chair

support their chest and chin with one hand and – with the heel of your hand – give 5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades

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Is my baby choking or gagging?

There's a difference between choking and gagging.

Gagging is a normal reflex as your baby learns to chew and swallow solid foods. Gagging is loud. Your child's skin may also look red when they're gagging, but redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin.

Choking is quiet. If your child has white skin, it may begin to look blue ( cyanosis) when they're choking. If they have brown or black skin, their gums, inside their lips, or their fingernails may begin to look blue.

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Choking and gagging on food - Start for Life

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See our advice on what to do if your baby is choking or gagging when weaning, and how to avoid it.

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Here's some suggestions of what you may need to start introducing solid foods

Highchair

Bibs

Spoons

Ice cub trays

Plastic/bamboo bowls

Messy mats/place mat

Cup/free flow beaker

Baby wipes

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Food safety:

STAY – Stay with children when they’re eating – it’s the biggest thing you can do for them

STILL – Get children to sit still – it can be a battle but it’s much safer

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Safe from choking | How to prevent choking in children

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Discover how to keep your children safe from choking, including food to avoid and what to do if the worst should happen.

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NHS information includes tips on brushing, going to the dentist, sugar and tooth decay

Teething

How to help your baby with teething and how to look after their teeth

Baby teething symptoms

Tips for helping your teething baby

Looking after your baby's teeth

NHS dental care for children is free

Take your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear. This is so they become familiar with the environment and get to know the dentist

The dentist can advise you on how to prevent decay and identify any oral health problems at an early stage. Just opening up the child's mouth for the dentist to take a look at is useful practice for the future

When you visit the dentist, be positive about it and make the trip fun. This will stop your child worrying about future visits

Take your child for regular dental check-ups as advised by the dentist

Find a dentist near you

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You can start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as they start to come through. Use a baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Don't worry if you don't manage to brush much at first. The important thing is to get your baby used to brushing their teeth as part of their daily routine. You can help by setting a good example and letting them see you brushing your own teeth.

Tooth brushing tips for babies

Use a tiny smear of toothpaste for babies and toddlers up to 3 years old, and a pea-sized amount for children aged 3 to 6 years.

Gradually start brushing your child's teeth more thoroughly, covering all the surfaces of the teeth. Do it at least twice a day: just before bed and at another time that fits in with your routine.

Not all children like having their teeth brushed, so you may have to keep trying. Make it into a game, or brush your own teeth at the same time and then help your child finish their own.

The easiest way to brush a baby's teeth is to sit them on your knee, with their head resting against your chest. With an older child, stand behind them and tilt their head backwards.

Brush the teeth in small circles, covering all the surfaces, and encourage your child to spit the toothpaste out afterwards. There's no need to rinse with water, as this will wash away the fluoride.

Check to make sure your child gets the right amount of toothpaste and they're not eating or licking toothpaste from the tube.

Carry on helping your child brush their teeth until you're sure they can do it well enough themselves. This will normally be until they're at least 7.

Taking your baby to the dentist

Take your child with you when you go for your own dental appointments so they get used to the idea.

NHS dental treatment for children is free, but not all dentists will take on new NHS patients.

To find a dentist, you can use our services search, ask at your local clinic, or contact NHS England on 0300 311 22 3 or email england.contactus@nhs.net.

Sugar and tooth decay

Sugar causes tooth decay. It's not just about the amount of sugar in sweet food and drinks, but how long and how often the teeth are in contact with sugar.

Lollipops and sweet drinks in a formula bottle are particularly damaging, because they bathe the teeth in sugar for long periods of time. The acid in drinks like fruit juice and squash can harm teeth as well.

The sugars found naturally in whole fruit and milk are less likely to cause tooth decay.

Sucrose, glucose, dextrose, maltose, fructose and hydrolysed starch are all sugars. Invert sugar or syrup, honey, raw sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar, muscovado sugar and concentrated fruit juices are also sugars.

How to cut down sugar in your child's diet

These tips will help you reduce the amount of sugar in your child's diet and prevent tooth decay:

Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks - the best drinks for young children are plain milk and water.

It's OK to use bottles for expressed breast milk, formula milk, or cooled boiled water. But using them for juices or sugary drinks can increase tooth decay.

From 6 months old, you can offer babies drinks in a non-valved free-flowing cup.

When your baby starts eating solid foods, encourage them to eat savoury food and drinks with no sugar. Check if there's sugar in pre-prepared baby foods (including the savoury ones), rusks and baby drinks. Read more about food labels.

If you choose to give your child sweet foods or fruit juice, only give them at mealtimes. Remember to dilute 1 part juice to 10 parts water. Your child should have no more than 1 drink of fruit juice (150ml) in any 1 day as part of their 5 A Day.

Don't give your child biscuits or sweets - ask family and friends to do the same. Offer things like stickers, hair slides, crayons, colouring books and bubbles instead. They may be more expensive than sweets, but they last longer.

At bedtime or during the night, only give your child breast milk, formula or cooled boiled water.

If your child needs medicine, ask a pharmacist or GP if there's a sugar-free option.

Check your whole family's sugar intake - see how to cut down on sugar in your diet.

Should I give my baby a dummy?

It's fine to give your baby a dummy but avoid using them after 12 months of age. Using dummies after this can encourage an open bite, which is when teeth move to make space for the dummy. They may also affect your child's speech development.

Discourage your child from talking or making sounds with a dummy or their thumb in their mouth, and don't dip dummies in anything sweet, such as sugar or jam.

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You can start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as they start to come through. Use a baby toothbrush with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.

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For any dental care, please contact your own dentist if you have one, or call NHS 111 for urgent care if you do not have your own dentist.

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For any dental care, please contact your own dentist if you have one, or call NHS 111 for urgent care if you do not have your own dentist.

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Poor oral health can impact quality of life. It can not only lead to pain, difficulty in eating and school/work absence, but also results in reduction in overall well-being

Children aged up to 3 years

Start brushing your baby's teeth as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through (usually at around 6 months, but it can be earlier or later)

Parents or carers should brush the teeth.

Brush teeth twice daily for about 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste

Brush last thing at night before bed and on 1 other occasion

Use children's fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride (check label) unless a dentist advises family toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm fluoride

Use only a smear of toothpaste

Make sure children don't eat or lick toothpaste from the tube

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Poor oral health can impact quality of life. It can not only lead to pain, difficulty in eating and school/work absence, but also results in reduction in overall well-being. All of these consequences can have an economic impact on families and the wider population.

This section of the website is aimed not only at the public, but also health professionals wanting more information regarding dental and oral health.

Need help?

Find a local dentist. If you have a dental emergency call NHS 111.

The dental health NHS webpage contains information on why you should floss, use intradermal brushes, and what NHS fillings and crowns are made of.

Dental Trauma UK (a registered charity) provides simple and effective advice on managing trauma.

Knocked a tooth out?

Don't panic!

What to do to help save your tooth

Step 1: Pick the tooth up by the crown only (do not touch the root)

Step 2: Lick the tooth clean if it is dirty, or rinse it in water

Step 3: Stick the tooth back in position (adult teeth only)
Never try to re-insert a baby tooth

Step 4: Bite on a handkerchief to hold it in place

Step 5: Go straight to a dentist

If it's not possible to put the tooth back in position, put the tooth in milk and go straight to a dentist (out of hours go to A&E).

Take care of your teeth and gums

Here's how you and your children can have healthy teeth and keep trips to the dentist to a minimum.

Brush your teeth twice a day

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Read more about how to keep your teeth clean.

Floss between your teeth

Floss or use an interdental brush every day to remove food, debris and plaque lodged between your teeth.
Read more about why you should use dental floss.

Cut down on sugar, and other lifestyle tips

Have a healthy lifestyle, including eating well, not smoking and limiting your alcohol and sugar intake. It's good for your whole body, including your teeth, gums and mouth.

Stopping smoking can reduce the risk of oral cancer.

Reduce alcohol consumption to recommended levels.

Brush baby teeth as soon as they come through

Start brushing a baby's teeth as soon as they come through.

Here are tips on looking after your baby's teeth, including the importance of avoiding sweetened foods and drinks.

Get children into a teeth-cleaning routine

Help your child have healthy teeth for life by having a good dental health routine. Read more about how to look after your children's teeth.

Dentists will advise on how regular check-ups should be. The majority of children are seen 6 monthly, but this can vary depending on the needs of the child.

Straighten crooked teeth with braces

More and more teenagers (and some adults) are having braces and orthodontics to straighten their teeth.

Find out more about braces and orthodontics.

Have regular dental check-ups

Have regular check-ups with your dentist. Do not put off going for a check-up. Detecting problems early can mean they're easier to treat.

If problems are not treated, they may lead to damage that's harder, or even impossible, to repair.

There are a wide range of dental treatments available. Some, such as fillings and root canal treatment, are readily available on the NHS.

Others, such as cosmetic dentistry, are only available on the NHS in certain circumstances.

Find out more about dental treatments and dental check-ups.

For information on who can get free dentistry and what to expect from your dentist, see how to find an NHS dentist.

Read the answers to the most common questions about NHS dentistry.

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Information on dental health for all ages, how to look after your teeth and gums and how to find a local dentist

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You can introduce a cup from around 6 months and offer sips of water with meals

Learning to drink from a cup can be messy and fun but it’s all part of growing up. Your child needs to learn to sip, not suck

If the cup has a lid, make sure the water can drip out when turned upside down, this is known as a free-flow cup. Using a free-flowing spouted cup is the first stage of your baby’s progress to an open cup

Valve cups (non-spill types) are not usually recommended

Using an open cup or a free-flow cup without a valve will help your baby learn to sip and is better for their teeth

Using bottles for juice or sugary drinks can increase tooth decay

Never give your baby sugary drinks last thing at night or during the night if they wake

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Brushing baby teeth: handy hints and how-tos | Baby & toddler articles & support | NCT

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They’ve got a tooth and it looks super cute. But hang on, now you need to look after it. Here’s our guide…

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Inspiration and confidence

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The Let’s Get Cooking programme inspires people to learn to cook and enjoy good food. We give them the confidence and skills they need to get hands-on in the kitchen and make healthier food choices throughout their lives.

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Meals with babies and children

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A collection of articles and child-friendly recipes to help you make mealtimes a fun learning opportunity for your little one.

Baby and child-friendly recipes

Weaning and child-friendly recipe collection

Tips on weaning, including children in family mealtimes and recipes for all stages from 6 months to 12 months+.

WEANING

Baby-friendly Fajitas / Family Chicken Fajitas (from around 12 months)

Miguel Barclay's fajitas two ways - one version for baby and another for the rest of the family.

WEANING

Child-friendly breakfast ideas you can make together

Children's dietitian Angharad Banner has come up with some easy breakfast ideas you can make with toddlers.

WEANING

Weaning tips

Your weaning questions answered

NHS registered children's dietitian, Angharad Banner and a team of Health Visitors answer your weaning questions.

WEANING

The Parent Manual: Weaning

Advice for starting to wean babies onto solid foods.

TIPS AND ADVICE

What can my baby eat and when?

A children's dietitian answers all sorts of questions when it comes to weaning, baby foods and mealtimes.

WEANING

Making the most of mealtimes

How to include your baby in family mealtimes

From breakfast to dinner: easy ways to chat and interact with your baby at mealtimes.

TIPS AND ADVICE

Brain-boosting bites for babies and toddlers

Dietitian Angharad Banner gives the lowdown on foods that are great for fuelling children's brain development.

TIPS AND ADVICE

How do I get my fussy toddler to eat?

Pickiness is common, but how can you help your child develop a healthy attitude towards food?

TIPS AND ADVICE

Shikha Gill - 'Don't put pressure on yourself with kids' food'

We caught up with Shikha Gill from My Little Food Critic to ask her all about cooking with kids.

TIPS AND ADVICE

In case you missed it

Find an activity to try

Tips and advice

Child development science

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Mealtimes with kids - BBC Tiny Happy People

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A collection of articles and child-friendly recipes to help you make mealtimes a fun learning opportunity for your little one.

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Healthy eating tips

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Eating healthily is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and is particularly important for children and young people as they are growing and developing.

As part of the 'Driving Healthy Futures' programme, Barnardo's has joined forces with Enterprise Rent-A-Car and the Let's Get Cooking Team at the British Dietetic Association to develop some exciting resources for you around healthy eating. These resources will give you the knowledge and confidence to prepare healthy meals for all the family on a budget.
You will find:

Practical tips - on how to involve children and young people, batch cooking and freezing, and shopping on a budget.

Recipe inspiration videos - including our chicken, broccoli alfredo and pot-luck frittata recipes.

Our recipes are simple to make and use easy to find ingredients so anyone can try them out!

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Eating healthily is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. We share practical tips on batch cooking, budgeting and shopping, as well as recipe videos!

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Vegetarian kids’ recipes | BBC Good Food

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Simple meat-free recipes kids will love to make and eat. Choose from family-friendly veggie curries, stir-fries, pizzas, pasta and plenty more.

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Your gut microbiota refers to all of the microorganisms (e.g. bacteria) that live within your gut. In fact, the largest population of microorganisms within the body live within the bowel.

Our microbiota perform numerous essential functions, such as protecting against harmful microorganisms and breaking down dietary fibre that humans cannot digest on their own. They also aid in the absorption of certain essential vitamins and can even influence your mental health.

The human gastrointestinal (GI) tract hosts a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms, known as the gut microbiota, which significantly influences health. GI microbiota has a huge impact on gut integrity and overall health.

Various factors shape the development of the gut microbiota in infancy, with diet being a key determinant throughout life.

Intestinal bacteria are vital for maintaining immune and metabolic balance and for defending against pathogens. Disruptions in gut bacterial composition (dysbiosis) have been linked to the onset of numerous inflammatory diseases and infections.

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What is the gut microbiota?

Your gut microbiota refers to all of the microorganisms (e.g. bacteria) that live within your gut. In fact, the largest population of microorganisms within the body live within the bowel.

The bacteria/microorganisms that live within your gut is completely unique to each individual. The human gut microbiota consists of over 100 trillion microorganisms, and weighs around 200g, around the same as an adult hamster!

Why is it so important?

Your microbiota has many functions, including defending against harmful microorganisms and digesting dietary fibre, that humans are unable to digest. Your microbiota also ease the absorption of some essential vitamins, and can even affect your mental health.

Early research suggests that some of the earliest changes that lead to Parkinson's disease may actually begin with the gut microbiota. This recent discovery only highlights just how much we're yet to discover about the microorganisms that occupy our gut, and the connection to our brain.

What influences your gut microbiota?

We can influence our gut microbiota, but only to an extent. There are many factors at play, and some begin before you even leave the womb.

Some factors we can influence:

Feeding methods, such as breast milk, artificial milk and introduction of solid food

Any medication such as antibiotics, acid suppressants and more

Dietary habits and the way food is cooked

Environment and lifestyle factors e.g. rural vs urban and exercise

Weight gain

Some factors we can't influence:

Genetics

Gestational age; whether you were born preterm vs. full-term

Delivery mode; vaginal delivery vs. C-section

What can I do to help my gut microbiota thrive?

The food you eat is the main fuel for your gut microbes. A review of the research literature suggests that diet can modify your microbes, this in turn has a profound impact on your overall health. Moreover, some studies have shown that gut microbiota composition is different in conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Some of the food that you eat does not absorb inside your body (fibre), but feeds the trillions of microorganisms that live in your gut. This part of the fibre that feeds these microbes is called a prebiotic (literally meaning 'before living organisms). If we consider our microbes as our gut garden, then the prebiotic is the fertiliser that helps to nourish our gut microbes.

Food sources of these prebiotics are plant foods. Some foods containing larger amount of prebiotics include: artichokes, asparagus, chicory, bananas, berries, tomatoes, garlic, onions, legumes, green vegetables and wholegrain cereals.

Fermented foods (frequently termed probiotics) are usually added to yoghurts, juices or taken as food supplements and are often described as 'good' bacteria. These foods are not harmful for most people with a healthy immune system, although the overall evidence that they are helpful in modifying the gut microbiome is inconclusive. If you have a digestive disease, you should talk to your doctor or dietitian before trying them.

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Introduction to Gut Bacteria - What is the gut microbiota? Your gut microbiota refers to all of the microorganisms (e.g. bacteria) that live within your gut. In fact, the largest

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This link offers support, advice, tips and information about feeding your baby in Surrey.

Common concerns

If you have any concerns about feeding your baby please contact your health visitor, attend a breastfeeding support group or telephone our advice line on 01883 340 922.

The following links cover a range of issues around continuing successful breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

Translations and other languages for breast and bottle feeding mothers

How to find resources in Braille

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During pregnancy

You can talk to your health visitor about all aspects of caring for and developing a relationship with your baby, feeding your baby including the benefits of breastfeeding.

This will provide you with information to support you to make an informed decision and get breastfeeding off to a good start and help them transition from 'womb to world'.

Watch this informative video about baby brain development, crying and postnatal wellbeing.

Colostrum collecting

Your midwife may have suggested you collect colostrum whilst pregnant. You can speak to your midwife about how to access the colostrum collecting syringes/kit.

Watch this video to find out more about collecting colostrum.

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You can talk to your health visitor about all aspects of caring for and developing a relationship with your baby, feeding your baby including the benefits of breastfeeding. This will provide you with information to support you to make an informed decision and get breastfeeding off to a good start and help them transition from 'womb to world'.

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Weaning your premature baby

Download our leaflet about weaning your premature baby (PDF).

Bliss guide to help parents introduce their premature baby to solid foods.

You could also direct parents to the weaning information on our website (or tell them to search on the Bliss site for 'weaning').

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Bliss is the UK's leading charity for babies born premature or sick. We champion the right for every baby born premature or sick to receive the best care.

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suitable for 2 years+

Healthy plate = balance and moderation;

Add in starch

Add in protein

Avoid only wholegrain for the first 5 years

Fruit & Veg

Dairy

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Office for Health Improvement and Disparities

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The Eatwell Guide is a policy tool used to define government recommendations on eating healthily and achieving a balanced diet.

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Evidence-based advice on nutrition across all ages, with specific sections for infants and young children.

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Connecting people, food and science, for better nutrition and healthier lives. We work with experts across the nutrition and food community to provide impartial, evidence-based information, education and expertise, motivating people to adopt healthy, sustainable diets - for life.

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Connecting people, food and science, for better nutrition and healthier lives. We work with experts across the nutrition and food community to provide impartial, evidence-based information, education and expertise, motivating people to adopt healthy, sustainable diets - for life.

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Healthy eating for mums and babies in Surrey 

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Healthy eating for mums and babies in Surrey 

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Helpful advice and guidance for mums on breastfeeding, weaning and first foods

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When you are pregnant, healthy eating is very important to make sure you and your baby receive the right nutrients. In the past, it was thought that during pregnancy mothers should eat for two. However, it is only in the last trimester that you need an extra 200 kcals per day. Pregnancy is not a time to start a weight management programme but it is one good occasion to take the opportunity to start eating a healthy diet.

To find out more information sign up to Start 4 Life.

Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the most optimal food you can give your baby, it gives them all the nutrients they need for their first 6 months.

The NHS provide more detailed information on breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding has a beneficial effect on childhood obesity, studies have found that every month of breastfeeding results in a 4% decrease of risk. It reduces the risk for your baby of childhood and adolescent obesity.

Breastfeeding can help new mums get back in shape too. It lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and burns about 500 calories per day. A UK study of one million mothers found that women who breast fed had significantly lower Body Mass Index.

The Breastfeeding Strategy (PDF) for Surrey recognises the importance of breastfeeding as a key public health issue, our vision for 'Building a Happy Baby' is to create a County where:

Every family is fully aware of the benefits of breastfeeding and therefore able to make an informed decision about how to feed their baby.

Every family is able to access the information, support and help they need in hospital and community settings from appropriate publicly funded and voluntary services.

Public and private sector services and settings all welcome and support breastfeeding mothers.

A special message for dad or the non-breastfeeding partner

Just because your partner is breastfeeding doesn't mean you're out of the parenting loop - caring for your baby is a team effort. Once the baby is fed, you can take over by burping them, singing to them, playing with them, or just holding them. See BabyCenter's top tips for dads on bonding with your baby.

Formula feeding

For parents who feed their baby formula, there may be many questions. Which formula is best? How can I be sure the bottles are sterile? How do I know when my baby has had enough? Will I still bond with my baby? For answers and more information on formula feeding.

First Foods

Introducing your baby to solid foods, sometimes called weaning, should start when your baby is about 6 months. It's really important to get your baby eating healthy right from the start. Your baby has a very small tummy so they only need small amounts of food at a time. More information is available on First Foods.

Baby Buddy

Your daily guide to pregnancy and the first 6 months of your baby's life is available to download App Store or Google Play.

Healthy Start

If you're pregnant or have children under the age of four, you could get help to buy food and milk. See our Healthy Start information document (PDF) or visit NHS Healthy Start to find out more.

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Healthy eating advice, guidance and information for mums-to-be and new mums on breastfeeding, weaning, formula feeding and first foods

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The Eat Well Start Well award has been developed to support early years care providers to ensure that the food they offer provides appropriate amounts of energy and nutrients and encourages children to make healthy choices.

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The award has been developed to support Early Years care providers to ensure that the food they offer provides appropriate amounts of energy and nutrients

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First Steps Nutrition Trust is a charity which provides clear, evidence-based and independent information and support for good nutrition from pre-conception to five years of age.

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It's natural to worry whether your child is getting enough food if they refuse to eat sometimes.

But it's perfectly normal for toddlers to refuse to eat or even taste new foods.

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It's natural to worry whether your child is getting enough food if they refuse to eat sometimes.
But it's perfectly normal for toddlers to refuse to eat or even taste new foods.

Do not worry about what your child eats in a day or if they do not eat everything at mealtimes. It's more helpful to think about what they eat over a week.

If your child is active and gaining weight, and they seem well, then they're getting enough to eat.

As long as your child eats some food from the 4 main food groups (fruit and vegetables; potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates; dairy or dairy alternatives; and beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins) you do not need to worry. Find out more about what to feed young children.

Gradually introduce other foods and keep going back to the foods your child did not like before. Children's tastes change. One day they'll hate something, but a month later they may love it.

Keep offering a variety of foods - it may take lots of attempts before your child accepts some foods.

Tips for parents of fussy eaters

Give your child the same food as the rest of the family, but remember not to add salt to your child's food. Check the label of any food product you use to make family meals.

The best way for your child to learn to eat and enjoy new foods is to copy you. Try to eat with them as often as you can.

Give small portions and praise your child for eating, even if they only eat a little.

If your child rejects the food, do not force them to eat it. Just take the food away without saying anything. Try to stay calm, even if it's very frustrating. Try the food again another time.

Do not leave meals until your child is too hungry or tired to eat.

Your child may be a slow eater, so be patient.

Do not give your child too many snacks between meals - 2 healthy snacks a day is plenty.

Do not to use food as a reward. Your child may start to think of sweets as nice and vegetables as nasty. Instead, reward them with a trip to the park or promise to play a game with them.

Make mealtimes enjoyable and not just about eating. Sit down and chat about other things.

If you know any other children of the same age who are good eaters, ask them round for tea. But do not talk too much about how good the other children are.

Ask an adult that your child likes and looks up to to eat with you. Sometimes a child will eat for someone else, such as a grandparent, without any fuss.

Changing how you serve a food may make it more appealing. For example, your child might refuse cooked carrots but enjoy raw grated carrot.

Further information

Video: How do I manage a fussy eater? (18 to 30 months)

This video explains how to manage a fussy eater.

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Read advice and tips for parents of fussy eaters or children who have problems with eating.

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What is weaning?

Introducing your baby to solid foods, also referred to as weaning or complementary feeding, starts when your baby is around 6 months old.

Your baby should be introduced to a varied diet, alongside their usual breast milk or first infant formula.

It can be confusing knowing when and how to start introducing solid foods. We're here to guide you through the weaning journey and explain what it all means.

We've got expert NHS advice, helpful videos, tips from other parents, and lots of simple, healthy weaning recipe and meal ideas.

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Weaning means introducing your baby to solid foods alongside their usual breast milk or infant formula. We're here to guide you through the journey.

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How to wean from breastfeeding

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HOW DO I WEAN MY BABY?

Are you feeling ready to wean completely? Sometimes just cutting back on the amount of times you breastfeed will make you feel better, breastfeeding can sometimes be overwhelming. Breastfeeding is a two-way street. If you resent it when you sit down to breastfeed, your child will pick up on this. If your baby is under a year (or older, sometimes), you will have to substitute a bottle feeding for a missed breastfeeding. An older baby may accept a drink from a cup, a nutritious snack, or just a distraction in the form of a game, a toy, or change of scene. Remember, the first supplemental feed, from a bottle, or of solid food, is the beginning of weaning. Weaning does not need to be all or nothing.

If weaning is your decision, it's best for you and your baby to do it gradually, and with love. If you wean "cold turkey," your breasts will likely become painfully engorged, and you might develop a breast infection. Your baby will probably fight the switch from your warm, soft breast to a plastic substitute. He might mourn the loss of "his" breasts.

If you must wean suddenly, see our Weaning: For Medical Reasons article for more information and helpful ideas.

WEANING A BABY UNDER ONE YEAR

Try first to substitute his least favorite feeding first. If the baby won't accept the bottle from you, (he knows the breast is right around here somewhere) see if a support person can succeed. It may also be helpful to have you not in the room/home so baby cannot smell you. Let the baby have a few days (or weeks, if possible) between each time you substitute a breastfeeding session with a bottle. Express a little milk from your breasts, to your own comfort, if you become engorged. Don't express a whole feeding's worth of milk; just enough to take the pressure off. Your body will get the signal to make less milk over time, slowly. For help with the weaning process contact a La Leche League Leader.

WEANING AN OLDER CHILD

To quote Dr. William Sears, "There is no set number of years you should nurse your baby." If you and your child enjoy breastfeeding, there is no reason you need to stop. Both of you will continue to benefit from breastfeeding as long as you like. Many mothers choose to wean naturally, allowing the child to outgrow the need gradually, in his own time.

Breastfeeding an older toddler or child is different from breastfeeding an infant. Most mothers naturally begin to place some restrictions on nursing as their child grows. Sometimes, the mother of an older nursling may become frustrated by other parenting challenges, and think that breastfeeding is causing the difficulty. In fact, raising children is hard work, and the "problem" may be the result of the child's developmental stage.

In that case, it's very helpful to learn more about typical childhood behavior and needs. A good place to start is by attending La Leche League meetings. There you will meet mothers who have nursed their children including extended nursing mothers and are happy to share information and ideas with you. Find a group near you.

It is possible to wean during the day but only nurse at night as the nighttime feeding is usually the last to go. Or wean at night but still allow nursing during the day. It does not need to be all or nothing.

TIPS FOR DAYTIME WEANING

Generally, these strategies work best for daytime nursing.

Breastfeed the child when he asks, and don't offer when he doesn't. This simple technique known as "don't offer, don't refuse" may help accelerate the weaning process when used with other methods.

Change daily routines. Instead of heading home after picking him up from daycare, head to the grocery store or elsewhere instead. Try to avoid the "nursing chair" or other usual "nursing station" in your home as much as possible at the times when he usually would ask to nurse. Stand up as much as possible!

If possible, get help from other family and household members. If he usually nurses upon waking, try getting up before him and have your partner or someone else do all the morning routine.

Anticipate nursing sessions and offer substitutions and distractions. Try offering a snack or drink at that time. Take him to his favorite place at the usual nursing time. Other distractions: reading, bike rides, visits from friends, a new toy, walking/singing to the child.

Shorten the length of nursings or see if he accepts a postponed nursing. Telling him he will be done when you are finishing singing a certain song, or counting to 20 may help with the transition. If he doesn't understand the concept of waiting or of time, this may not be helpful.

TIPS FOR SLEEP TIME WEANING

The nap and bedtime nursings are often the last to go and can be more difficult. La Leche League does not advocate for any sleep-training techniques that includes children being left to cry for long periods of time. Staying close to your little one to allow for quick attention before they are fully awake can also help with the overnight times.

If the child is sleeping with you, you might consider moving him into his own bed or into bed with an older sibling. However, if the child resists the move, he might increase breastfeeding in order to preserve his feeling of closeness with you.

Allowing another family members to help by taking over sleep-time routines.

Offering a drink of water or snack if the child seems hungry or thirsty.

Offering cuddles, hugs and music to replace nursing at night or for naptime.

If you decide to wean the nighttime feeding, make a bedtime routine not centered around breastfeeding. A good book or two will eventually become more important than a long session at the breast. Your child may agree to rest his head on your breast instead of feeding. Talk to your child about what's going on ahead of time if you can as he may understand more than you expect.

WHEN A CHILD ISN'T READY TO WEAN

If weaning is going too quickly for the child, he'll usually let you know by his behavior. Increased tantrums, regressive behaviors, anxiety, increase in night waking, new fear of separation, and clinginess are all possible signs that weaning is going too quickly for your child. Illness and teething can also interfere with weaning and it might be necessary to take a break.

Your child may be old enough for you to simply explain to him that you feel it is time to wean. Many children his age or older can understand the concept of stopping nursing. Some mothers let the child pick a date, or choose one themselves, and call that the "weaning day" after which he will no longer nurse. Some mothers will then give the child a "weaning party" with supportive family and understanding friends to help celebrate the milestone. Perhaps the child will receive a special "weaning present."

Some mothers allow the child to choose a coveted toy and buy it after weaning, or buy it before weaning and wrap it up on to be put on a shelf for when the weaning day or weaning party comes.

Obviously, these techniques will not work if the child is extremely resistant to weaning, but many mothers have used them with success. Remember that he will have a continued, perhaps even deepened, need for closeness with you. You can anticipate the child's need for closeness and spend as much of her day as possible having "special time" with the child.

Weaning can be a difficult time both for mother and child. Mother's often have many feelings including sadness, anxiety and despair. A La Leche League Leader or group can help you to feel less alone as you go through this big step. To learn more about weaning you can attend a local group or reach out to leader.

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Get tips on how to stop breastfeeding, including considerations for children over and under 1 year old and when a child isn’t yet ready to wean.

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The shocking transformation of the UK household diet since 1980 😲🍔 BBC

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With particular focus on feeding your baby in the Ashford and St Peter's Hospital Trust footprint locality

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Think Food First Teens

Food and wellbeing resources for professionals working with 13-17 years olds

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Webinar presentation about think food first

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Webinar presentation about think food first

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March 2025

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Think Food First webinar - First 1001 days

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Take home wall chart for solid foods/weaning 

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Take home wall chart for solid foods/weaning 

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Download or order this take-home wall chart for mums, parents and carers with helpful tips on weaning.

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This easy read leaflet, available to support health and care practitioners in conversations with mums, parents and carers, provides information and useful tips on introducing solid foods. The resource also includes a timeline showing what might be happening at different stages between the ages of 6 to 12+ months, as well as information and signs on waiting until the right time to begin complimentary feeding.