weaning advice ......please

[PureedGoodness]

My ds is nearly 7 months and was wondering if anyone knows of how many of the different food groups he should be having a day. I have tried looking on the net and through books but each give different info.

I feel like i am stressing about this too much so the simpler the better ie how many portions of protein, fruit/veg, dairy and carbs he should have in a day over three meals. He is still having 18 oz of formula a day too.

Any info or even some sample food diaries/menu planners of what you give your lo would be really appreciated thank you.

I am already struggling introducing textures to him as he clamps down and turns his head if he detects the smallest of lumps so I just want to concentrate on making sure he is having all the right nutrients and a balanced diet first then we can tackle the lumpier foods again later.

At 6 months something, I really wouldn't worry too much.
keep offering a wide range of food, so he experiences loads of different tastes.

I've heard it said you shouldn't look at what babies that small eat on a day to day basis, but look that over a week it is about balanced.

"Food is for fun until one". He's still getting all he really needs from formula, so solids are just about experimenting and introducing new tastes and textures at this stage. And my DD1 wouldn't tolerate lumpy foods until she was over 1yo; she's now a healthy 3yo who will happily eat most things. Try not to stress :)

thanks guys for your advice but would still like to know about the food groups for when he is old enough.

Are the tabs across the top of this roughly what your after?

I think you are overthinking this too much. Weaning is about trying different tastes and textures not trying to ram the right amount of protein, carbs etc down their throats.

I weaned my DS at around 5 months. He started off with simple purees of fruit and vegetables. He is now 10 months and an example of his daily food intake is:

Weetabix/Porridge for breakfast
Meat/Veg combo for lunch followed by fruit
Sandwich/Toast followed by yoghurt and or fruit for tea

So long as their diet isn't full of sweets, biscuits, chocolate, processed food and you ensure they are eating fruit and veg then you don't need to worry too much. From 6 months a baby can eat what you eat so long as it is reasonably healthy.

I wouldn't worry so much about how much of each food group you give, just try to include something from each group, but as others have said, there's no need to panic about this so early into weaning!

In terms of books, I've found Annabel Karmel's 'Weaning' very helpful, and she gives guidance on the food groups in there. Someone on here also recommended 'Weaning made easy' by Dr Rana Conway, & I've found that useful too.