Over the past few years, there have been changes to the way that babies are fed and weaned. It is now recommended that babies are breastfed until they are six months old before they are weaned. If mothers do not breastfeed, it is suggested that babies are given formula milk, which should be made up and given in the quantity suggested by the baby’s health visitor.

It is important that babies begin the process of weaning at six months because, unless babies are bottle-fed, their natural store of the mineral iron will have run out. Iron is important for the blood as it helps to carry oxygen around the body. Early weaning Weaning babies earlier than six months is not advised as babies’ digestive systems are thought not to be sufficiently mature. It is thought that early weaning may result in allergic reactions and also skin conditions such as eczema. In exceptional cases, where a baby seems particularly hungry, medical advice should be sought before weaning takes place.

Vitamin D Vitamin D is important for the formation of babies’ and young children’s bones. With the exception of babies who are bottle-fed, it is now advised that all babies and children up until the age of five are given vitamin D drops. Foods to be avoided Until babies are fully weaned at 12 months, they should not be given cow’s milk to drink because this can cause digestive problems.

Other foods that babies should not be given until they are fully weaned include:

• honey
• salt
• liver
• uncooked eggs
• fruit juice or sugary drinks
• sugary foods