5 Unexpected Weaning Tips Every Parent Should Know

Weaning is one of those exciting milestones that can feel a little overwhelming at the same time. As your baby moves from a milk-only diet to solid foods, you’re suddenly faced with a world of advice, countless product options, and plenty of questions about the “right” way to do things.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to weaning. Every baby develops at their own pace, and what works for one family may not work for another. That said, there are some lesser-known tips that can make the journey smoother, healthier, and more enjoyable for everyone at the table.

Here are five weaning tips you may not have come across—but might just find invaluable.

Try a Mixed Approach: Spoon-Fed and Baby-Led

Parents are often encouraged to choose between baby-led weaning (finger foods) or spoon-feeding (purees). In reality, there’s no need to commit exclusively to one method. A blended approach can give your baby the best of both worlds.

Offering a combination of finger foods and spoon-fed options allows you to see what your baby enjoys, while also ensuring they receive enough nutrients. It helps support the development of motor skills through self-feeding, while also giving them exposure to different textures and tastes.

Example: Start with simple purees alongside something soft and easy to hold, like smashed raspberries. As your baby grows more confident, progress to blended meals paired with finger foods such as cucumber sticks, buttered toast, or small pieces (cut length-ways) of soft fruit.

Be Selective with Baby Food Pouches

Baby food pouches are convenient, especially when you’re on the go. However, it’s important to understand that the vitamin and mineral levels listed on packaging don’t always reflect what your baby will actually receive.

To make pouches safe for long-term storage, the contents are pasteurised (heated), a process that reduces the levels of certain nutrients, including vitamins C, B, and folate. In addition, iron levels are often overstated, and the actual meat or fish content is typically lower than what babies need for healthy growth.

Since iron is particularly crucial around the six-month mark (when a baby’s natural stores begin to deplete), it’s best not to rely on pouches as the main source of nutrition. Instead, treat them as an occasional convenience.

Tip: When time allows, batch-cook baby-friendly meals at home and freeze them in small glass jars or toddler-sized containers. This way, you have quick, nutritious options on hand without compromising on quality.

Rethink Portion Sizes

Many parents are surprised at how little food babies actually need to meet their energy and nutrient requirements. A helpful guideline is to use your baby’s hand as a portion guide.

For example, a serving of starchy carbohydrates (such as rice, pasta, or potatoes) should be about the size of two of your baby’s clenched fists. While these portions may appear small from an adult perspective, they are perfectly suited to a baby’s nutritional needs.

This approach not only takes the guesswork out of meal preparation but can also help reduce food waste and ease any concerns about over- or underfeeding.

Don’t Avoid Fibre

Fibre-rich foods are often thought to be unsuitable for babies, but research now shows they can play an important role in early diets. Wholegrains, wholemeal bread, brown rice, nuts (served safely as ground or in butter form), seeds, and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables all contribute to healthy digestion and long-term gut health.

The key is balance. While fibre is beneficial, too much at once can cause constipation or tummy discomfort.

Tip: Try alternating higher- and lower-fibre carbohydrates throughout the day. For example, if your baby has wholemeal toast for breakfast, you might offer white rice or pasta at lunchtime. Monitor their digestion and adjust as needed to keep things moving comfortably.

Introduce Fish Early

Fish, especially oily varieties such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support brain and eye development. Yet many parents delay introducing fish for fear of allergies or uncertainty about portion sizes.

In fact, fish can be introduced as soon as your baby has moved beyond their very first tastes—just remember to treat it as a potential allergen and introduce it gradually. The general recommendation is to include 1–2 portions of oily fish per week, which is sufficient for meeting your baby’s needs.

Serving idea: Mash mackerel with avocado and spread it on toast for a finger food option, or offer it on a spoon as a simple mash. Both are nutritious, easy to prepare, and well-suited to little appetites.

A Final Word on Weaning

Weaning is not a race, nor is it about following a rigid set of rules. Instead, it’s a gradual process of introducing your baby to a variety of flavours, textures, and nutrients while supporting their development and encouraging a positive relationship with food.

By mixing feeding methods, using pouches sparingly, trusting portion sizes, embracing fibre, and including fish early on, you’ll be laying strong foundations for healthy eating habits that last well beyond the baby years.

Above all, remember that mealtimes should be enjoyable—for both you and your baby. There will be spills, splatters, and the occasional refusal, but every bite is part of the learning journey. With patience, flexibility, and a little preparation, you’ll find that weaning can be as rewarding as it is nourishing.

About the Author

I am a Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (mBANT, reg CNHC) specialising in nutrition for fertility, pregnancy, the postnatal period (including perimenopause), babies (weaning), and toddlers. My role is educational, motivational, and collaborative—I provide personalised recommendations but do not prescribe or diagnose. I support clients in achieving optimal nutritional status for reproductive health, recovery, and long-term wellbeing, while considering pre-existing conditions such as IBS/IBD, autoimmune issues, or diabetes. By exploring health history, lifestyle, and environment, I build a clear picture to guide tailored support. I offer a range of packages, including personalised nutrition consultations, supplementation and dietary guidance, and dedicated sessions for weaning and young children.

All services are available online or face-to-face, and I also offer free 15-minute discovery calls to answer any questions. For more information and to get in touch, please visit my website or Instagram pages.

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