Weaning Stage 2: Around 7+ Months

As your baby moves a few steps closer to enjoying family meals, it’s important to bear in mind that your baby’s needs are very different to an adult’s.

Although fibre is a good thing, it's very filling. Too much of it may leave your baby too full to eat other foods that will give them the energy and nutrients they need at this stage.

No single food can give your baby all of the nutrients they need so variety is the name of the game to make sure they get a good balance of vitamins and minerals, as well as the energy they need for all that growing and exploring. Offer a wide variety of foods, for example:
 

• Cereal and dairy, such as your baby’s usual milk, at breakfast
• Plenty of protein and vegetables for their main meal
• Fruit and dairy, such as an unsweetened yoghurt, for dessert

This will help provide a good balance of the vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats they need to grow big and strong.

It’s especially important to make sure their food and usual milk contains a healthy amount of iron, as the natural stores they were born with begin to run low after about 6 months. Green leafy veg, red meat and beans are all great sources of iron to support normal cognitive development².

There’s one very important vitamin that you may find difficult to get enough of from food alone, and that’s vitamin D. Also known as the sunshine vitamin, your little one’s body produces it when they’re out in the summer sun.

Unfortunately, the UK weather makes it hard for them to make enough to support their normal bone development. And as only a few foods like liver, oily fish and eggs contain it, many children aren’t getting enough.  

That’s why The Department of Health recommends that all babies who are exclusively breastfed are given a daily supplement of vitamin D (8.5 to 10mcg) from birth. If your baby’s having more than 500ml (about a pint) of formula a day, they don’t need a vitamin D supplement because formula is already fortified with vitamin D³.

As you begin to introduce a wider range of yummy foods, you should always let your little one’s appetite lead the way. Your baby's tummy is around ten times smaller than an adult's, and they’ll be sure to let you know when they’ve had enough! Tightly closing their mouth or turning their head away are sure signs that they are full. Never force them to finish their food.

Because your baby may still only eat a small amount, it's important that every mouthful is packed with nutrients and goodness. Aim to offer new tastes at least twice a day, working towards offering three meals a day, and alternate between new flavours and old favourites.

Breast or formula milk is still an important part of your baby’s diet to ensure they’re getting the vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins that they need, so stick to your usual routine when it comes to milk feeds⁴. Read more about how much milk your baby should have during the different stages of weaning.

As your little one starts to get the hang of eating, it's a good time to move towards eating regular meals. Breakfast is a great time to try new things, because your little one is raring to go in the morning. Remember not to offer anything with added salt or sugar – this rules out many family cereals!