Weaning your infant to solids

Gentle guidance to help your baby’s transition from milk to solid foods

Introducing solids is an exciting milestone—but it can also bring questions and uncertainties for many parents and caregivers. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

What happens during the session?

Our speech therapist will work closely with you and your baby to ensure a safe and positive introduction to solids by providing:

1. Feeding Technique Demonstrations

• Proper spoon-feeding techniques to encourage acceptance and reduce choking risks
• Guidance on how to introduce different textures gradually, starting from purees to thicker mashed and soft finger foods
• Advice on feeding positions that promote good head and trunk control, aiding swallowing and digestion
• Tips on recognizing and responding to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues to foster healthy eating habits

2. Food Preparation and Selection

• Recommendations on nutritious, age-appropriate foods to meet your baby’s growing needs
• Safe ways to prepare, cook, and serve foods with appropriate textures and sizes to prevent choking
• Guidance on allergen introduction and how to monitor for reactions
• Ideas for variety and flavor to help your baby explore new tastes and develop palate preferences

3. Personalized Feeding Plans

• Tailored feeding schedules and portion sizes based on your baby’s developmental readiness and appetite
• Strategies to manage common challenges such as gagging, food refusal, or sensory sensitivities
• Support for transitioning from exclusive milk feeds to mixed feeding, ensuring balanced nutrition
• Integration of responsive feeding practices to build trust and enjoyment at mealtimes

4. Parental Coaching and Empowerment

• Hands-on practice and real-time feedback during sessions
• Answers to your questions and concerns about your baby’s feeding progress
• Guidance on when and how to introduce new foods safely
• Practical tips for making mealtimes stress-free and positive

Why Early Support Matters

• Early guidance during weaning helps to:
• Promote proper oral-motor development necessary for chewing and swallowing
• Prevent feeding difficulties and food aversions later on
• Encourage healthy growth and nutrition
• Build a positive relationship between your baby and food

Working with the family

Supporting Your Family’s Journey

• We recognize that every baby is unique, and every family has their own feeding rhythm. Our approach is warm, flexible, and tailored to your family’s lifestyle and cultural preferences.