![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/im-a-gp-youve-been-weaning-your-baby-wrong/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/NINTCHDBPICT000292418082.jpg&description=WEANING can be both a confusing and distressing time for parents. It can be a minefield when it comes to what to give your kids and when - especially if you're a first-time parent. Mums are often weaning their babies too early, the NHS has warnedCredit: Getty It's a process that can leave little ones in tears and parents in despair as you try to work out their likes and dislikes. Previous research found that many people are finding the task difficult, with two in five parents giving their babies solid food too young. Guidance from health chiefs at the NHS says tots should not be weaned off milk until around six months old. But around 40 per cent of first-time mums in the UK were previously found to be already feeding their babies solid foods by the age of five months. Experts warn kids weaned too soon face a higher risk of infections or slower weight gain. Dr Zoe Williams, The Sun's GP columnist, said: 'Weaning can be a very confusing time for parents. 'For most healthy babies, the easiest way to cut through the confusion is to wait until your baby is around six months old. 'This gives them time to develop properly so they can cope with solid foods.' Earlier this year, Dr Zoe helped to spearhead a campaign by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities to keep new parents clued up about feeding their babies. In a survey of 1,000 Brit mums and dads, 59 per cent said they were confused about when to move on from milk. The OHID said babies are ready to start eating when they can sit up and hold their head still and have the coordination to pick up food, put it in their mouth and swallow it themselves. Minister for women, Maria Caulfield, said: 'The first 1,001 days are crucial for development and impact a child's health for the rest of their life. 'Every child should have a solid foundation on which to build their health and I am determined to level up the opportunities and support for all children, no matter their background or where they grow up." Her comments){kind=link}
WEANING can be both a confusing and distressing time for parents.
It can be a minefield when it comes to what to give your kids and when – especially if you’re a first-time parent.
It’s a process that can leave little ones in tears and parents in despair as you try to work out their likes and dislikes.
Previous research found that many people are finding the task difficult, with two in five parents giving their babies solid food too young.
Guidance from health chiefs at the NHS says tots should not be weaned off milk until around six months old.