Having a baby is life changing, as soon as you become pregnant it all changes. With your growing bump and the endless worrying that comes with it. Then the next thing you know you have a newborn baby in your arms and you have this new little life that is dependant on you.
Whether you breast feed or bottle feed your baby, feeding is easy. The you notice them watching you eat, they become hungrier and it is time to move on to the next stage. Which is why we are looking at the best ways to move onto the weaning stage.
Moving on to the weaning stage is a significant milestone, It is an exciting time as your baby begins to explore new tastes and textures. Here are some tips to make the process smoother.
Now is the time to look forward and find the right high chair which will keep them secure and safe. But give them the freedom as they grow to explore new foods and textures.
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Graco SnackEase
The Graco SnackEase is a great high chair that delivers everything you need. Suitable from 6 months up to a maximum weight of 15kg. As all parents know you often have to do things one handed which is why this high chair offers a quick, one handed fold. Meaning no annoying manoeuvring, you can do it one handed to store away when not in use. It also stays standing when down, so will not keep falling or slipping.
The tray has a cupholder and can be removed for cleaning, again this is a great feature as we all know just how messy feeding time gets. Other great features are
- 3 position recline
- Fixed footrest
- Wipeable seat pad
- Adjustable 3 or 5 point harness
How To Introduce Weaning
- Introduce Solids Gradually: Start with single-ingredient purees such as mashed fruits or vegetables. Offer one new food at a time and wait a few days before introducing another to check for allergies or sensitivities.
- Choose the Right Time: Pick a time when your baby is alert and not too hungry or tired. This will increase the chances of them being receptive to trying new foods.
- Be Patient: Your baby might make funny faces or spit out new foods initially. This is normal as theyāre getting used to different tastes and textures. Stay patient and keep offering a variety of foods.
- Encourage Self-Feeding: As your baby gets older and more coordinated, let them explore feeding themselves with their hands or with baby-safe utensils. This promotes independence and improves motor skills.
- Maintain a Routine: Try to establish a consistent feeding schedule to help your baby develop healthy eating habits. However, be flexible and responsive to your babyās cues.
- Offer Nutrient-Rich Foods: Aim for a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy (or alternatives). This will provide essential nutrients for growth and development.
- Stay Safe: Avoid foods that pose choking hazards, such as whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, and large chunks of food. Always supervise your baby during mealtimes.
- Continue Breastfeeding or Formula Feeding: Breast milk or formula should remain the primary source of nutrition for the first year. Solid foods complement milk feeds but do not replace them.
Remember, every baby is different, so what works for one may not work for another. Trust your instincts, enjoy this exciting stage, and celebrate each new food adventure with your little one.
Giveaway
Graco are kindly offering one of my lucky readers the chance to win the SnackEase to help their journey of weaning. To enter see below, making sure you read the Terms & Conditions and completing ALL the mandatory sections in order for your entry to be valid.
a Rafflecopter giveawayGood luck and do not forget to enter my other great giveaways
Win A Fabulosa Hamper and Voucher
Do things at your babyās pace and donāt compare yourself to others. Some babies can be ready for solids early but others might not be that interested in food way beyond the 6 months mark
always trust your instincts, a parent has a six sense at times.
Trust your instincts and don’t compare your children too much to others.
Set limits and be consistent with your discipline.
Accept all the help you are offered – you will need it!
Letting kids do things on their own will build their confidence and self esteem.
Let the little ones try a bit of everything, even what you are having.
Trust your own instincts. Mum knows best – follow your own pace!
Follow your own path, whatever works best for you, relax, make memories š
remember every child is different and will develop at different paces so don’t overly worry if they are ready for weaning etc
Introduce new foods slowly and enjoy the moment as each child is different
kids will develop at their own pace, dont compare your child to another
Be Patient With Your Child
Do what works best for you. Itās impossible to listen to everyoneās opinions and each baby is different.
Take help when you need it! Short naps mean happy parents and happy baby!
Routine and patience, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from loved ones.
Do not take too much notice of the opinion of others – the child is yours, not theirs!
This would be lovely to have at my house for when my grandson visits
It’s hard not to be stressed and overwhelmed at times, but if you feel like this just think, is my child having fun, are they hurting anyone or themselves? Take 2 minutes to make a drink and start again. I also like the food tip of make more and freeze in ice cube trays or freezer bags for quick meal options.
Just remember love and care and not financial goods make for a happy child
Babies are like a sponge they soak up everything around them ā¦.if you have your little one out in the pram talk to them ,it doesnāt matter what your saying but engage with your baby xxx
Talk to your baby all the time. Tell them what you are doing and what things are and use the proper words for everything.
I am step Nanny to 2 new baby girls, great auntie to 1 new baby girl and Nanny to one on the way so I would love to have this to keep at my house so Nanny is prepared for visits from all my lovely new babies x
This would be ideal for my new little nephew
Congratulations
take the time to cook from scratch, its worth it to eat clean, other things seem more important but this is core
Children look up to adults and learn from their behaviours. Be a good role model for them.
I couldnāt do without my highchair for all 3 of my children. It includes them as part of the family when sitting down to eat together
Let them try everything you eat, they’ll enjoy unexpected foods!
A routine and patience goes a long way
Try different foods, finger foods are great too. Make your own foods for your child and freeze in batches.
I let my little ones try a variety of things.. sometime buying a mixed fruit platter worked out cheaper, whilst trying to find out what they liked
Try and treasure every minute even if you are exhausted! It all goes so quickly
Let kids try everything so they can decide what they like
Be a good role model, children learn by observing, so demonstrate kindness, empathy and respect.
Every child is unique – don’t stress about parenting advice as it is written for the “average” child and not your own unique child š
Accept help from responsible friends and family when it is offered even if that help is not exactly what or how you would do something yourself.
Persevere with food – let your child explore even if it is messy
This would be great for my grandson.
Allow for each others parenting style,so you don’t keep clashing
brill would be great for daughterin law and my grandson