Dr Wynnie Chan offers a weaning guide and meal ideas for the whole family

The process of weaning your baby off breast milk and onto solid foods is easy, what with the wide variety of pureed baby meals available in supermarkets. However, many mums, at one point or another, wonder whether these foods are healthy or if it's worth trying to make your own.

The idea of making your own baby food seems to conjure up images of slaving over the stove for hours on end, but it doesn't have to be that way. Once you build up enough confidence, you'll probably like experimenting with different meal combinations that both baby and the rest of the family can enjoy.

Here's a simple weaning guide to help you eventually serve one meal for your young child and the rest of the family:

• By 4 months, most babies will be ready to try a spoon or so of baby rice, mashed potatoes and pureed fruit and vegetables, such as apple, banana, carrots, peas, swede, pear, cauliflower and sweet potato
• By 5-6 months, you can introduce a wider variety of fruit and vegetables, including dried fruit, melon, apricot, avocado, peas, pepper and kiwi fruit
• By 6 months, feel free to feed your baby chicken, foods containing gluten and dairy foods
• Between 6-7 months, it's fine to give your baby foods which have been mashed or minced rather than pureed
• By 8-9 months, you will probably start introducing foods and meals that have a chunkier texture. You can also give your baby other types of meats, fish, eggs and lentils.

Essentially, there are four main food groups that an infant, toddler and mum need. We've broken them down by group, so you can make sure you're getting enough of each type in you and your baby's diet. Aim for equal amounts from each of the four food groups.

Milk and dairy: Foods like milk, cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais contain calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Whole cows milk can be used in small quantities to make things like custards and macaroni cheese, but it should not be used as a substitute for formula milk until your baby is at least one year old.

Meat, fish and alternatives: Meat, fish, eggs and alternatives like pulses, beans and lentils are excellent sources of protein and iron. Iron is necessary for healthy blood and to protect against iron deficiency (anaemia), which is linked to poorer health and slower development in infants and young children. Vitamin C helps our bodies absorb iron, so remember to include good sources of it, such as oranges, kiwi fruit, strawberries, and vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli and peppers, and baby fruit juices at every meal. Note that bran and fibre-rich foods, tea and coffee will stop some iron and calcium from being absorbed by your body.

Bread, other cereals and potatoes: Bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, yam and breakfast cereals are nutritious and provide energy, vitamins, minerals and fibre. Remember that wholegrain versions should only be given to infants and young children under two years, occasionally; as their stomachs are too small to cope with bulky foods.

Fruit and vegetables: These foods are great sources of vitamin C and contain other vitamins and minerals needed to maintain health. These should be introduced as purees at the very start of the weaning process, then later as finger foods, in soups, mixed with yoghurt or as part of a main meal.

What about salt and sugar
We all need a small amount of salt (sodium chloride) to be healthy, and infants and children get enough salt naturally in foods, so there is no need to add any more. You don't have to ban sweet foods completely from your diet, but remember to limit these foods to prevent the risk of dental decay. Tooth brushing should be a part of you and your child's daily routine.

If you're worried that your child isn't getting a varied diet, ask your GP about vitamin A, C and D drops, as they may be necessary for children from 6 months to 5 years who don't eat a varied diet.

What to do with fussy eaters
Even though it is frustrating when your child refuses to eat your meal (or worse still, throws it all over your kitchen wall and floor), here's how to stay calm:

• Take the food away and don't offer any alternatives
• If your child dislikes fruits and vegetables, try mixing them with foods that he or she likes, such as potatoes, baby rice or yoghurt
• Don't use foods as rewards
• Offer new foods alongside familiar ones
• Offer small portions initially and gradually build up the amounts each day
• Don't forget to praise your child when he or she tries a new food
• If possible, feed your baby at the same time as the rest of the family, so he or she gets used to the idea of eating together.

Here are some examples of meals and snacks that the family can share:

• Couscous with peas and carrots
• Lamb stew made with minced lamb, potatoes, tomatoes and a touch of rosemary
• Chinese chicken with noodles, made with wheat noodles, chicken pieces, pineapple and tomatoes
• Vegetable risotto made with risotto rice, a touch of milk and a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, onions and pepper
• Neapolitan pasta made with a touch of garlic, onions and minced beef or chicken.

Enjoy!

References:

Planet Organic: Baby and Toddler cookbook by Lizzie Vann (£7.99; Dorling Kindersley)