Olli

Remember that each baby is different
and these times are just guidelines. For
some babies the weaning process might
start a little earlier. A combination of
signs will let you know when your baby is ready so let her guide you.

Here are some of the milestones to look out for that will tell you your little one is ready.

Sits with support and has good head control.
Reaches out for and is interested in food.
Has good hand-eye coordination and brings objects to her mouth.
Transfers objects from one hand to another.
Starts to roll over from tummy to back.
Learns that she can influence the outside world by her actions.

If your baby has been sleeping well and begins waking up more frequently in the night or waking up earlier for a feed, this may also be a sign that baby is ready for solids in her diet.

Weaning means the transition from milk to solid food. From about 6 months of age, your baby will need nutrients not available in milk. So by this time it is important that they are introduced to 'real food'.

Physiologically, babies are designed to drink from their mother for two to three years. Deciding to wean your baby does not have to mean that you're going to stop breastfeeding entirely. Many mothers continue to breastfeed for months after they've introduced other forms of nutrition to their baby's diet, both for comfort and nutritional reasons.

At 4-6 months all the nutrients that baby needs are still coming from breast milk. However, from 6 months the iron content of breast milk starts to decline, and will soon not be able to meet baby's needs, therefore solid food needs to be introduced. By 9 months the protein content of milk declines to such an extent that solid food needs to form a large component of baby's diet. It is however recommended that breast milk be a part of baby's diet right up until 12 months to ensure that the maximum benefit is gained for healthy growth and development.

At olli we believe you should breast feed as long as possible. Then you should grow your own organic produce and make baby's meal in your own kitchen. But having children ourselves, we realise this is not always possible. With the olli range of organic baby foods we are giving you the best possible alternative.

The longer you wait to introduce solids, the more time the digestive tract will have to develop. Although it was previously considered appropriate to introduce solids between 4 and 6 months, the new WHO (World Health Organisation) regulations are stipulating an age of 6 months.

So, weaning starts at around 6 months and lasts until about 12 months. By the time your baby reaches her first birthday she should pretty much be following the same meal pattern as the rest of the family with solid food making up at least 50% of her nutrition.