When to use cooled water
When to use cooled water
First Finger Foods
Between 6-9 months soft finger foods will give your baby lots of chewing practice. As they become more independent, by offering finger food it will teach your baby how to self-feed and improve their ability to chew, a skill which will go a long way in aiding your baby’s speech development as well as allowing them to develop their diet. Finger Foods for 6-9 Months
Other suitable finger foods from 6-9 months (once you have tried some of the softer options above)
- Buttered toast fingers
- Finger of toasted cheese on bread
- Raw sticks of cucumber
- Soft cooked florets of broccoli or cauliflower
- Strips of freshly cooked meat like beef or chicken
Finger Foods for 9-12 Months
Once your baby reaches stage 3 of weaning (9-12 months) you can offer them firmer and harder finger foods which will help develop their chewing skills even further. Some suitable foods at this stage are:
- Unsalted crackers
- Unsalted rice cakes
- Small portion of plain scone
- Small pancakes
- Fruit slices – apple, orange, mango etc.
- Cubes/triangles.slices of firm cheese
- Cooked chunks of vegetables like sweet potato, carrot
It is important that you do not leave your baby alone when feeding.
If you’ve any other questions about this, or would like to talk to an expert about any food related questions you may have, do contact our careline.
Over 6 months
Once your baby has reached 6 months of age it is a good idea to introduce a beaker. Up to their 1st birthday their milk feed is an important source of nutrients and now in combination with a good weaning diet. Water and milk are the most tooth friendly drinks. As your baby progresses in their weaning journey, sips of cooled, previously boiled water in a beaker at meal times is fine. Limit their intake of fruit juice to protect your baby’s developing teeth. If giving pure fruit juice, always dilute it, 1 part fruit juice to 4-5 parts water. Clean your baby’s gums/teeth in the morning and before bedtime. Fruit and vegetables all contain a higher water content and an important part in your baby’s diet, providing lots of nutrients too!
As when they were younger you may need to offer sips of cooled, previously boiled water during warm weather or if your baby is unwell e.g. during a bout of diarrhea, to ensure they are keeping well hydrated.
If offering water to your baby, choose freshly drawn tap water then boil it and allow it to cool. If you need to use shop bought bottled water, make sure you check the label for the sodium (Na) content. Choose a brand that contains <20mgNa/litre. You still need to boil it and cool it in the same way you do with tap water. If you are not sure about the quality of the water in your area, check your supply with your local county council.
If you have any more questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact us and one of our advisors will be happy to help you.
Brighter futures start here
Discover more about infant development to help shape your baby's future
Related articles
Questions about feeding and nutrition?
Our nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch.
Important notice
Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, you eat a varied, balanced diet. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breastmilk, and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. The social and financial implications of using an infant formula should be considered. Improper use of an infant formula or inappropriate foods or feeding methods may present a health hazard. If you use an infant formula, you should follow manufacturer’s instructions for use carefully – failure to follow the instructions may make your baby ill. Always consult your doctor, midwife or health visitor for advice about feeding your baby.