Ready to go? Of course! Weaning means giving additional food alongside milk. After the first six months, breast milk or infant formula alone will no longer be enough to satisfy some babies. In addition, babies have increased nutritional requirements when they enter the second six months of life, for instance, very high quantities of iron. The need for zinc is also higher. Well-balanced weaning foods must cover this.
After all, it is not only your child’s digestion that needs to adapt, but also your own body’s milk production. As soon as a milk feed is replaced, an additional porridge can be introduced around three to four weeks later. However, not every baby will be ready to wean at this stage. It is more important to pay attention to your child’s cues than to count the weeks. Each child is different and will vary in terms of when they start to show a clear interest in solids.
The baby reaches for food.
They watch the spoon as it moves from plate to mouth.
They smack their lips with interest and make chewing motions.
They no longer push the porridge out of their mouth with their tongue.
The child can sit upright (with little support) for a short time.
They open their mouth when the spoon approaches.
You can download all of our guides on nutrition for babies here.
Breastfeeding is the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need for their healthy growth and development. It also plays an integral role in forming the deep attachment between mother and baby. A healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding will benefit your milk production, as well as nursing your baby from the start and at regular intervals.
If you need to supplement your baby’s breast milk diet, please consult a healthcare professional (e.g. paediatrician, midwife, parents’ counsellor, nutrition consultant). Using infant formula may have adverse effects on your milk production and on the breastfeeding process itself. If you decide not to breastfeed your baby at all, you might not be able to reverse this decision later.
Please always follow the preparation instructions on the package, as improper use and storage can lead to health problems.
Various organisations such as Stillförderung Schweiz (Breastfeeding Promotion Switzerland) provide more information about breastfeeding.
