Introducing solid foods – or weaning – is a big milestone in every family’s life. Suddenly, the rhythm of the household changes, new routines and questions arise. What, when and how to serve? To make this process as easy as possible for you, we contacted Denisa Stránská, a child nutritionist and author of the cookbook Lahodný Benedikt. She wrote down the mistakes she avoids during weaning – and which can help you experience this time with more peace and confidence.

1/ Weaning doesn't start with giving your baby food. It's preceded by a process.

A baby's intestines can prepare for the eating process about two months before they even taste food for the first time. This is incredibly beneficial for them. They get to know the tools they will later use for eating, they get used to the idea that eating is fun and they learn to use their chewing muscles! Two months before starting meals, I gave my daughter Florence cod liver oil as the first ingredient that her immunity and digestion began to get acquainted with. We also trained her tongue movements with a special massage to support chewing. This helped a lot in later eating whole pieces.

2/ I don't specify portion size

I completely respect the feeling of fullness that my baby sends, without interfering in any way with the portion size. I put more food on the plate so that my daughter can also "paint" with the food, but the number of bites that get into her mouth is fully regulated by her from the first days of weaning.

3/ I don't stress.

My firstborn son Benedikt was a huge school of baby led weaning for me. I learned that the stress from not eating is essentially my feeling, what I think, and that I subsequently stress myself out. When I understood that although he only eats one spoonful, he is more resilient and healthier than children who eat full bowls, what has long been proven in the world was confirmed for me. Quality is important, not quantity.

4/ Until the first year, food is fun for the baby, not an exclusive source of food

Breast milk or formula is the primary source of nutrition for a baby in the first year of life. It should always be the first food, both in order and frequency during the day, as well as in quantity. Food serves primarily as a source for familiarization with allergens and for learning the technique of eating and processing food in the mouth.

Every child is unique and so is their journey to eating. The important thing is to trust your child, not be afraid to slow down, and see this process as a shared discovery of a new world of tastes and skills. Weaning is not just about food – it’s also about relationship, communication, and respect. In food, as in life, there is no rush – trust and patience are the most important ingredients.