How often should I introduce new flavours and tastes?

Expert advice on how to set the pace when you're weaning {{babyName}}

In the past, when weaning was advised at 4 months of age, health visitors used to advise introducing one new food at a time, and waiting three days before trying the next food so that if your baby had any reaction, you would be able to pinpoint the culprit.

But since the recommended weaning age has increased to 6 months, by which point the gut is mature enough to handle a wider range of foods, you can proceed to introduce new foods and flavours more quickly.

First weaning foods

When you first start feeding {{babyName}} solids, it’s important to begin with foods that are easy to digest and unlikely to cause adverse reactions. The first foods you introduce will probably be sweet in flavour, such as carrot, banana and pear. But while it’s essential to go at your {{babyName}}’s pace, aim to introduce variety fairly early on.

Different foods contain different nutrients, so a varied diet will provide all the vitamins and minerals he needs. There’s also evidence that babies who are exposed to a wide range of foods and flavours early on are less likely to become fussy eaters.

Generally, there’s no need to wait any longer than a day between introducing new foods to {{babyName}}, although if you’re trying {{babyName}} with something potentially allergenic, such as egg or fish, you may want to wait 48 to 72 hours before introducing the next new food so you can monitor {{babyName}}’s reactions. On the whole, it’s best to introduce one new food at a time so it’s easier to spot if something disagrees with {{babyName}}.

Don’t give up if {{babyName}} doesn’t like a food the first time they try it. Babies’ food tastes will change as they grow, and research has shown that they need to try something 10 or more times to know if they really don’t like it. Try introducing new foods in small quantities and alongside familiar foods, or combine them with a tried and trusted favourite to get your baby used to the new flavour.

Answered by: Ceri Morgan and Ann Souter, nutritional therapists from www.recipeforhealth.co.uk