Frequently Asked Questions - Weaning



Our Expert Health Visitors have answered the following questions on Weaning to aid parents of infants & children 0-5 years. Look through the questions listed below, or use our confidential
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ask your own question.



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Q My son is now over 1 year old and drinking full fat cows milk.I want to try and wean him off the bottle, and onto a cup, but he won't drink from it at all, even though he knows what is in it. The last time i tried he was suffering from a particularly nasty Viral Infection and was off his milk anyway, but would drink a bit from a bottle if offered it. so we gave in and put him back on the bottle. should we persevere with keeping him off the bottle or should we wait until he is ready?
health visitors response

Q I am trying to wean my little girl but am so so confused about what to do. What I can't seem to get right is her wanting more of the rice and less of the milk. I know she is hungry in between milk feeds but i just can't get her to take her food. I need to get her weaned and onto solids by 7 months. I am scared that if i don;t she will refuse solids completely. health visitors response

Q When should I start weaning? health visitors response

Q How will I know when my baby is ready for weaning? health visitors response

Q I am worried because my child is not a good eater. What can I do? health visitors response

Q Since I stopped breastfeeding my child has been on formula milk, he is nearly 2yrs, when is the earliest I can start on semi skimmed and how much does he need? health visitors response

Q My baby is sleeping through the night and has four feeds a day, he has 9oz at every feed do I use 2 bottles? health visitors response

Q At what age can I stop sterilising her feeding equipment? I’ve read in lots of parenting books that it’s about six months and also it says the same on both Cow & Gate and SMA nutrition web sites but I just need to be sure? health visitors response

Q My daughter is 1. Is now a good time to stop her daytime bottle feeds? She is drinking milk with her breakfast and has plenty of dairy products throughout the day? health visitors response

Q I have weaned by son onto baby food and he poos constantly what should I do? health visitors response

Q How much milk is the average 9 month old supposed to have during the day i give my son three 7oz bottles but is starting to go off them? health visitors response

Q I started my baby on solids last week could this be the reason for the change in his bowel movements. It looks more solid darker and smellier and I would like to know if this is normal? health visitors response

Q Am I being a little old fashioned, but shouldn’t babies be given food in jars & tins warmed through. My friend has been feeding her daughter cold food for example cold custard before she goes to bed. I am worried when I see this happening and the child throwing it all up. I have suggested that she warm it through which she has done a few times with no projectile vomiting. But she has put her back on cold food again. I feel so sorry if this is the case these days for the kiddies as it can’t be doing their delicate tummies any good (now can it).please could you advise. health visitors response