Added to basket

Home

Starting weaning: the 5 key steps

Home

Starting weaning: the 5 key steps

How do I know if my baby is ready?

Some babies will be ready to start weaning at 4 months, others not until 6 months. Yes, that adorable little person you've created is one of a kind — and no less wonderful for it (really, we promise), whatever the case. We're here to help you work out the ideal moment to introduce Baby to foods beyond milk, and we'll share all our tips for making the transition as smooth as possible!


What are the signs that Baby is ready for weaning?

First and foremost, your child must be able to hold their head up on their own and, of course, show an interest in the food they see going past when you're at the table. Another ab-so-lute-ly essential condition: getting the green light from your paediatrician, naturally!

‎So, when do we start weaning?

Not before 4 months, and no later than 6 months (after 6 months, milk alone can no longer meet your child's nutritional needs). That said, keep in mind that the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to the age of 6 months.

When should you start weaning a breastfed baby?

Whether your baby is breastfed or formula-fed, the recommendations are the same when it comes to starting weaning: between 4 and 6 months, and always with the agreement of your paediatrician or the healthcare professional looking after your child.

       

Have you already started weaning?

Read our article "Proteins and their role in weaning"

The key stages of weaning (french guidelines)

According to the latest medical recommendations on the subject, babies can be introduced to all food groups right from the start of weaning. This includes foods that may cause allergies (egg, hazelnut, almond, peanut…) and gluten. In fact, the earlier babies are introduced to a food, the more they develop a tolerance to it.

Vegetables

As we've just said, there's no set order to follow.
But the simplest approach is to start weaning with vegetables, beginning with the most easily digestible ones, and ideally at lunchtime so as not to disturb Baby at night. Popote recommends its carrot — always a little winner as it's mild and sweet — but courgette, green beans and butternut squash are also great choices to start with. To discover all our vegetable pouches for baby meals, click here.

The Popote tip: always introduce one food at a time (with no salt), so that Baby can properly get used to this new taste.

Once a vegetable has been accepted, you can offer fruits, starchy foods, meats, fish and spices to keep exploring new flavours.

How much vegetables to start with?

Start with a few teaspoons of vegetables, around 50g, topped up with a breastfeed or a bottle. Gradually increase the amount according to Baby's appetite. But never force Baby to finish their bowl — trust them. Relax, Mama.

popote fruits and vegetables illustration

Fruits

Which fruit purées to start with?

We start with one fruit at a time so that Baby gets used to this new taste. It's easiest to begin with the simplest ones: apple, pear, peach, apricot and banana. Fruits are introduced at snack time and/or as a dessert, in small spoonfuls, always well blended or in very soft large pieces — discover everything you need to know about baby-led weaning.

The Popote tip: you can introduce allergens from 4 months — it's even recommended to help prevent food allergies. Almonds, hazelnuts… in powder or unsalted/unsweetened paste mixed with a fruit purée, about half a teaspoon at a time.

How much?

Around 50g per day to start with, which you can spread out however feels right! But always keep in mind that Baby's appetite is the best guide.

popote baby protein illustration

Proteins

How to introduce proteins during weaning?

You can introduce proteins right from the start of weaning. Begin at lunchtime, with a few spoonfuls to start, alongside vegetables (at 4, 5 or 6 months, depending on your child and your paediatrician's recommendations).

Choose easily digestible meats, such as chicken, turkey or ham (unsalted) — even if we know some little ones who love red meat from as early as 4 months. Processed meats are best avoided, though, as they contain far too much salt. You can also find out more here about all foods to avoid before 1 year, and here about the role of proteins in Baby's development.

Starchy foods

Pasta, bread, semolina, flour, as well as rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bulgur wheat, quinoa, barley, millet and buckwheat… There are a thousand and one ways to include starchy foods in Baby's diet. Don't forget pulses, as well as rye, barley and oats, which are rich in fibre and iron.

When and how to introduce starchy foods for Baby?

From 4 months, you can offer starchy foods or pulses, including gluten, as a smooth purée and always alongside vegetables: 1/4 starchy foods to 3/4 vegetables.

From 6/8 months, for energy intake, go for half starchy foods and half vegetables, around 50 to 75g of mashed potato or other starchy purée. Gradually evolve the textures, moving from smooth to mashed, through to small soft pieces.

Fats

Which fats should you choose for Baby?

  • olive oil: rich in antioxidants
  • walnut or rapeseed oil: rich in Omega 3
  • sunflower oil: rich in vitamin E
  • butter (unsalted): rich in calcium, vitamin D and vitamin A

And what about the quantity?

From the start of weaning (4, 5 or 6 months depending on the baby), a teaspoon of oil every day, or a knob of butter from time to time. One important note: add fats (i.e. lipids) after reheating the purée — oil loses all its benefits once it has been heated.

Reminder: before one year of age, infant formula and breast milk provide babies with all the fats recommended by the WHO.

Mistakes to avoid during weaning

  • Being worried because your child doesn't want to eat the recommended quantities: between 4 and 6 months, breast milk (or infant formula) is Baby's main food and meets all their needs. At this age, weaning is simply about introducing new tastes and textures. So there's no need to worry if your child isn't eating the recommended amounts!
  • Forcing your baby to eat. Whatever the food, and whatever your child's age, always respect their wishes. Bear in mind that it can sometimes take up to 10 attempts before a baby finally accepts a new food!
  • Adding salt or sugar to Baby's meals (never add either to their food before the age of 1).
  • Giving your child raw milk and related products, skimmed and semi-skimmed products, shellfish and raw meat, soya, raw eggs, sugary drinks, coffee, tea, honey and sweet products.
  • Not including allergenic foods or gluten in their diet: as mentioned above, the earlier these foods are introduced, the lower the risk of your child developing food allergies.

Our tips for easing the transition to solid foods

Does every new food get the same frowning face? A few handy tips can help make things easier. Because we're a kind bunch at Popote, here they are:

  • Try to create a pleasant mealtime routine for your baby. That way, they'll look forward to sitting at the table and discovering new foods.
  • Respect your child's appetite and pace. Make sure they are fully awake and not coming out of a crying spell when you feed them. You'll find it makes things so much easier.
  • To lead by example, try to eat together as a family as much as possible. Your child will love being able to do what the grown-ups do!

Stuck for inspiration when it comes to preparing meals for your 6-month-old? Head over to Popote for loads of ideas for recipes perfect for your baby!

       

Popote — a range 100% suited to weaning

Organic fruits, vegetables and meats

Allergen-free

No added sugar

Zero preservatives

Discover our products from 4 months

  • Sold out

    1,90€

    120g

    Parsnip

    120g

    1,90€

  • 1,90€

    120g

    Peach

    120g

    1,90€

  • 1,90€

    120g

    Butternut Squash

    120g

    1,90€

  • 1,90€

    120g

    Pear

    120g

    1,90€

All products for babies from 4 months

Tips, advice and real parenting life — follow us on @popote.bebe

Logo Instagram Popote
@popote.bebe
100k followers
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Image promotionnelle Instagram
Secure payment picto popote

SECURE PAYMENT

Mastercard / Visa / Paypal

popote customer service image

CUSTOMER SERVICE

By email or phone

100% organic products reassurance

100% ORGANIC

And made in France

popote delivery reassurance

FAST DELIVERY

In France and across Europe