Baby Weaning: 8 Key Tips to Get Started

- The starting point

The start of weaning takes place between 4 and 6 months. That's a broad, flexible window — but fairly strict: starting after 6 months is not recommended, as at that age, milk no longer covers the (exponential) developmental needs of baby. And ultimately, it is between 6 months and 18 months that baby can truly test, taste, and awaken their palate to the fullest! This is truly THE moment when you can try everything with them, when their curiosity is at its peak. After that, their personality may start to show more, their taste buds will become more refined, and you may simply get a firm "no" from them… But their gustatory journey is, of course, only just beginning…

- Milk, that essential food 

Milk remains the main food for young children, whether breast milk or formula, even when weaning has started! Especially since in the early days, baby will simply be content to taste just a little… A few weeks will pass before baby decides to swallow a real portion of purée or compote! Milk plays an essential role in their development and should remain present until at least around 3 years of age. Did you know? Up to 6 months, baby does not drink water. Their hydration comes through breastfeeding or bottles of formula!

- The importance of allergens

If there are known allergies in the family, you should of course discuss this with your pediatrician before starting weaning — they will give you the go-ahead to get started in any case! Official recommendations on the introduction of allergens have changed, and today it is strongly advised to offer certain foods to baby very early. This includes peanuts, almond powder, hazelnut powder, gluten, eggs… By introducing them as early as possible, pediatricians have noted that children tolerate these foods better.

- No salt for baby

Salt is banned for young children for several reasons! As adults, we already know that too much salt isn't great, but for babies it is simply off-limits. The reasons are straightforward: foods already contain it naturally in small quantities. Furthermore, babies' kidneys are not yet fully developed and would struggle to eliminate it. Finally, salt enhances the taste of food, whereas the whole point is for baby to develop a taste for the "real" flavor of all those fruits and vegetables. To be more precise, official recommendations suggest 1g of salt per day up to 1 year, then 2g up to 3 years — which is really: nothing! By comparison, an adult should consume 5g per day, while in reality they ingest between 8 and 19 grams! Want to enhance baby's purées and compotes? Spices are your allies!

- A big yes to spices!

There is absolutely no reason not to have fun with spices, herbs, and condiments! On the contrary, take advantage of baby's curiosity to introduce them to certain flavors. You'll obviously start with mild, non-spicy spices: cinnamon, vanilla, anise, for example. Mild curry, turmeric, za'atar for savory dishes. Of course, forget about pepper and chili for now! As for aromatic herbs, they can enhance recipes: parsley, cilantro, basil… And don't forget thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf! All of this will bring a sense of deliciousness to these dishes! Have fun!

- Proteins

Introduced at the beginning of weaning in the form of smooth purée, animal proteins (meat, fish, and egg) are very important in the diet of young children. We generally start at lunch in addition to vegetables between 4 and 6 months, following your pediatrician's advice. Chicken, ham, turkey, etc. are all welcome. As for fish, some should be avoided, such as swordfish and shark (due to their heavy metal content), and others should be limited, such as tuna, monkfish, skate… Egg is an excellent source of protein, rich in vitamins and trace elements; it should be offered well-cooked (as an omelette or hard-boiled egg) and in small quantities.

 - The evolution of textures

Baby often starts with smooth fruit or vegetable purées, then gradually moves on to dishes with a bit more texture, up to the introduction of real soft chunks and then harder pieces, all between 6 months and around 1 year. Over the past few years, Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) has become increasingly popular. The goal? To let your child discover foods on their own, without blending. Whatever you choose, listen to your child. Ultimately, many parents practice a bit of both methods in their daily routine.

- Don't force it… but do offer it again several times

We can sometimes have high expectations for these shared moments, and sometimes the disappointment is great! That said, baby should never — ever — be forced to finish a plate or eat something they "don't like." Ultimately, baby is a little person who needs time and has their moods, and that is completely normal. The main advice is to re-offer a food to baby several times without getting discouraged.

- The importance of DHA

Do you know what DHA is? We often hear about "good fats" without really knowing what they are… And yes, fat often gets a bad reputation, but unfairly so! What you need to limit are sugary, salty, and processed foods… But baby, on the other hand, needs these good fats — they are even essential. DHA is essentially an omega-3 essential fatty acid that is not synthesized by the body. In short, the body doesn't produce it naturally, so it must be provided through diet. And for that, nothing beats the Quintesens baby oil, as it is formulated for babies aged 4 to 36 months and takes away that daily mental load. Just one teaspoon of oil added to baby's meals (after cooking, as the oil should not be heated in order to preserve all its benefits!). It is ultra important because this essential fatty acid plays a role in memory function, healthy brain development, vision, the nervous system… It also exists for the whole family (pregnant, breastfeeding, adults…) because DHA intake is important throughout life!