New campaign to help parents with introducing babies to solid food

·       Parents in England are struggling with the weaning process, with half confused about how much to feed their baby and nearly half influenced by common myths about when to begin introducing solid foods, survey finds

·       A campaign including online hub will counter misinformation and confusion, with easy to remember prompts on when, why and what to feed babies at each stage

·       Child Nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed and GP Dr Helen Lawal back the campaign to promote NHS advice and support parents with weaning 

Parents are being supported to safely introduce their babies to solid food through a government campaign that promotes NHS advice on weaning.

Weaning is a key milestone within the first 1,001 critical days. It teaches babies to move food around their mouth, chew and swallow, and influences children’s eating habits and their health later in life.

The campaign highlights there are three clear signs that mean your baby is ready for solid food, such as if they can stay in a sitting position, holding their head steady. It also includes information on when to begin introducing solid foods alongside breastmilk or first infant formula, why it’s important to wait until your baby is around six months old and what to feed babies at each stage.

The campaign comes as a new survey conducted by Censuswide has found that half of parents in England (50%) were confused about how much to feed their baby and what age to start weaning (47%), with many saying they had received conflicting advice on both points. It also found that nearly half of parents were influenced by behaviours that can be mistaken by parents as signs that their baby is ready for solid foods, such as seeing their baby grabbing food (47%) or looking at food (43%).

Minister for Primary Care and Public Health Neil O’Brien said:

“The first 1,001 days are crucial for a child’s development and weaning can influence a baby’s eating habits and their health later in life.

“This campaign will ensure parents have the confidence to introduce their babies to solid food at the appropriate time and provide practical advice and a support hub to ensure their diets include a wide variety of foods.

“We’re committed to supporting the early years, including by providing over £300 million to create Family Hubs in 75 local authorities to join up and enhance services, ensuring all parents and carers can access the support they need at the time that they need it.”

The survey also found that nearly half (46%) of parents believed that solid foods should be introduced at around five months or earlier. But, according to NHS guidance, it is recommended to gradually introduce solid foods from around six months – alongside breast milk or infant formula. This is because it gives babies time to develop properly so they can cope with solid foods.

Breastmilk or first infant formula provides everything that babies need for healthy development for the first six months. When babies are around six months old, they start to need solid foods as well as breast milk or first infant formula to meet their nutritional needs.

With more than 1 in 4 (27.7%) children being overweight when they reach school age, according to the latest National Child Measurement Programme data, the ‘Better Health Start for Life Introducing Solid Foods’ campaign supports parents to develop their children’s healthy eating habits at the earliest stage.    

In addition to the campaign, an online weaning hub is available to support parents on their weaning journey. Packed with NHS-endorsed advice, videos and tips, plus simple healthy recipes, it puts everything parents need to know in one place.

Child Nutritionist Charlotte Stirling Reed said:

“As a mum and a Nutritionist, I’m in agreement with today’s survey findings, weaning can be a very confusing and overwhelming time for parents.

“You can start with single vegetables and fruits that are mashed or blended. I’ve always found preparing food from scratch is the easiest and cheapest way to create healthier meals for my children, and have used the Start for Life Weaning Hub for great recipes which are really easy to make and nutritious.”

GP Dr Helen Lawal said:

“Weaning is a crucial milestone in the first 1,001 critical days of a baby’s life; however, today’s research results are showing that almost half of parents are introducing solid foods to their babies too early.

“The Start of Life Weaning Hub will help you to spot the right signs which show your baby is ready for solid foods, alongside lots of tips on essential topics like allergies, food hygiene and avoiding choking, to help you wean your baby safely.”  

Courtnay Mum of Oshun, 8-month-old, said:

“As a mum I’m in agreement with today’s research findings - weaning can be a very confusing and overwhelming time for parents.

“However, it can be simple too - you can start your weaning journey with single vegetables that are mashed, blended or offered as soft finger foods. The Start for Life Weaning Hub has plenty of recipes to help you easily prep meals for your baby, which are easy to make and nutritious”.  

ENDS 

Notes to editors

• To find out more visit: https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaning/   
• The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 2,000 parents (16+) with children aged 3-18 months that have weaned or are currently weaning their baby in England between 08.02.23 – 17.02.23. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles. 
• Start for Life is OHID’s national programme delivering trusted NHS advice and practical guidance on key topics such as breastfeeding, vaccinations, weaning, school readiness and pregnancy.
• The programme targets parents-to-be and families with babies and young children. 
• It helps parents to understand the importance of the first critical 1,000 days of life and provides expert advice and support to help them adopt healthy behaviours and build parenting skills. The three clear signs your baby is ready for solid for are:
• • Stay in a sitting position, holding their head steady  
  • Coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so they can look at food, pick it up and put it in their mouth  
  • Swallow food, rather than push it back out.     
• Start for Life includes:

·       A website: 

o    https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaning 

·       Social media channels: 

o   https://www.facebook.com/BetterHealthStartForLife 

o   https://www.pinterest.co.uk/BetterHeathStartForLife/ 

o   https://twitter.com/BH_StartForLife 

o   https://www.instagram.com/betterhealthstartforlife/  

·       Personalised email programme on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood from the Information Service for Parents   

·       Breastfeeding Friend support service offering a hands-free solution, 24/7, answering common breastfeeding queries (Facebook Messenger, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant) Start for Life also funds the National Breastfeeding Helpline.