5 common weaning problems

Weaning your baby is an exciting time, but it can also be challenging.

It's a HUGE change for your little one, who has only ever known breast milk or infant formula, to start on solids.

And then of course there's potential allergies and intolerances, and foods they simply just won't like.

Common weaning problems

So whether your baby is gagging on lumpy foods, refusing to eat anything new, or putting the food everywhere except in their mouth, here are five common weaning problems and potential solutions.

1. Gagging: First thing's first; don't panic! Gagging is a natural reflex to stop us choking. The reaction is probably down to the baby getting used to new textures and lumpy foods as they move away from smooth purees.
2. Spitting: Yes, you may have spent an age preparing a nutritious meal and carefully mashing or blending it. But that won't matter to your baby and chances are they'll end up turning up their nose and spitting out most of it. But don't take it personally. Babies have a reflex to thrust their tongue out every time the back of their throat is stimulated. This ‘tongue-thrust reflex’ will diminish as your baby gets older and as they learn to eat. Be patient, but if they are consistently struggling to swallow the food, it may be because they’re not ready to start weaning. So just wait a week or two and try again.
3. Refusing food: Refusing to eat certain foods is more likely because it's new than they don't like them. Perseverance is key! It can take up to 10 attempts for your baby to accept certain foods or tastes, so give them plenty of chances to try again. If everything else fails, go back to the basics for a few days – vegetables that have a mild flavor like parsnips, sweet potato and carrots – or purée fruits to tempt their taste buds.
4. Barely eating: You'll probably worry that your baby is eating very little at the beginning of your weaning journey. But this is normal as they get used to their new world of solids. At this stage, it's more about getting your baby used to the feel of food in their mouth. And remember, they still get most of their nutrients from your breast milk or formula.
5. Slow eating: Eating slowly in itself isn't a bad thing, in fact it's the best way to eat. But you need to establish why your baby is eating slowly. Is it that they aren't hungry? Or are there distractions you need to remove?