Chapter 6 – Weaning

The word “weaning” literally means to take away a habit, in this case the “habit” of breastfeeding. But being breastfed is anything but a bad habit: it is a powerful tool for promoting the health of the child and their future adult self. That’s why today, instead of “weaning,” we prefer to talk about complementary feeding. This expression better clarifies the purpose of this transitional phase, which is not to remove milk as quickly as possible and replace it with other foods. In fact, breast milk continues to be the main source of energy and nourishment for the baby throughout the first year of life. After six months, it becomes necessary to supplement the diet with semi-liquid foods, without completely replacing milk.

This transitional phase also helps the child learn to manage solid food, to use their gums, tongue, and teeth to chew, move food in the mouth, and swallow. It’s a time to discover new flavors, form future eating preferences, and strengthen awareness of appetite and the sensation of fullness. It is a very important stage of development and, undoubtedly, an exciting one for both baby and parents, who are eager to guide their child through the discovery of flavors and good food and to observe their reactions during the first tastings.

As with every stage of growth, each child has their own pace and way of approaching complementary feeding. Some are cautious or even hesitant, while others are curious and adventurous, eagerly diving in and then reconsidering. What matters is that the moment of the first solid meals doesn’t become a source of stress: if at six months the child isn’t ready to try, they will do so when they feel ready — thanks also to the support, patience, and encouragement of mom and dad. So, no worries if the baby doesn’t immediately respond positively to new foods, if they refuse or make a mess, or if they continue to ask for milk often. The process of learning and taste education takes time and should never compromise the pleasure of enjoying mealtimes peacefully.

On that note, it’s good to remember that children’s taste preferences are very different from adults’, as their sensory abilities are still developing. Foods that may taste bland to adults may be very flavorful to a baby, and sweet flavors, reminiscent of milk, are often preferred. Mealtime management is also very different: babies take longer, pause often, and may firmly refuse food. During this special phase, it is important not only to ensure variety and balance in the menu, including foods with the “right consistency” for their chewing abilities, but also to be patient and approach the process gradually, respecting the child’s timing — and even their refusals. One of the most common mistakes is to force the child to finish their meal at all costs. In reality, forcing them undermines the joy of eating and their natural ability to regulate hunger. If half the meal is left on the plate at the end, there is no need to worry — maybe the portion was just too large or the child was full.

It’s also important to remember that it’s never too early to begin teaching young children about taste and well-being at the table. Eating should be a pleasure, and the child should experience meals in a calm, stress-free environment. This is why the atmosphere during meal preparation is crucial — the calmness of the parents during these first feedings, and also what the child sees and experiences around the table when the family gathers. When a child starts eating solid foods, it’s a good idea not to isolate them, but to place them at the table with everyone else and let them share in family meals, without distractions like TV, tablets, or toys. Simply being together and sharing mealtimes teaches the child not only about taste but also about the joy of eating. It’s clear that coordinating family mealtimes with the baby’s needs is not always easy, but gradually and whenever possible, it’s important to establish a sort of family mealtime ritual that allows children to feel like they are truly part of it.