Breastfeeding A Baby: Essential Nutrition Tips For Parents

From those first sleepy feeds to tasting their very first spoonful of food, your baby’s feeding journey is full of special milestones. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, expressing milk or preparing to start weaning, understanding what to expect at each stage can give you the confidence to support your child’s development in the best possible way. At Fennies, we’re here to help every step of the way. With expert care, nutritious meals and personalised support, we help make this journey a positive one for both you and your baby.

Breastfeeding: The Foundation Of Early Nutrition

In your baby’s first six months, breast milk is the gold standard of nutrition. Endorsed by the World Health Organisation, exclusive breastfeeding during this stage supports healthy growth, provides all the nutrients your baby needs (except vitamin D), and protects against infections.

Breastfeeding is a way to bond and respond to your baby’s unique cues. Unlike formula-fed babies, breastfed infants may feed more frequently and in smaller amounts. This natural pattern supports milk production and ensures baby’s needs are met around the clock.

At Fennies, we proudly support breastfeeding mothers, including those returning to work. Expressed breast milk can be safely stored and given to your baby during the day. 

When to Start Weaning: Understanding Readiness

Around six months of age, most babies are developmentally ready to begin the exciting journey of weaning. However, signs like increased night waking or fist-chewing aren’t reliable indicators of readiness. Instead, look for three key signs:

• Sitting up well with head control
• Reaching for food and bringing it to their mouth
• Losing the tongue-thrust reflex (no longer pushing food out)

These signs suggest that your baby’s digestive system is mature enough for solid food. Starting too early can increase the risk of allergies and infections, while waiting until the right time helps set the stage for successful feeding.

At Fennies, we tailor the weaning experience to each child. Our sensory-rich environments and nurturing routines help babies explore food confidently and safely during this transition. All of the baby rooms at Fennies have direct access to a milk kitchen to ensure milk is always readily available for when they need it.

Moving to Solids: From First Tastes to Balanced Meals

Weaning begins with tiny tasters. This can be small spoonfuls of pureed or mashed foods once a day, and then gradually increasing to three meals by 12 months. During this phase, breast milk (or formula) remains an important source of nutrients, but solid foods begin to take centre stage.

By the age of one, toddlers should be enjoying a wide variety of family-style meals and snacks. Milk intake should decrease to a maximum of 600ml per day to ensure they get sufficient nutrients from food. Over-reliance on milk at this stage can limit appetite for iron-rich and energy-dense foods crucial for development.

At Fennies, our Early Years menus are accredited by the Early Years Alliance, offering a delicious variety of nutritious meals, supporting every stage of weaning. Children are encouraged to feed themselves, enjoying mealtimes as social, learning-rich experiences.

For toddlers aged 2 and over, families can begin to follow the UK’s Eatwell Guide, which offers practical advice on building a balanced diet across all food groups.

Conclusion: Support Every Step of the Way

Feeding your baby, whether that be through breastfeeding, bottle-feeding or introducing solids, is a personal journey shaped by your child’s unique needs. At Fennies, we champion informed choices and responsive care, helping families feel confident and supported throughout the Early Years. From baby’s first feeds to toddler mealtimes, our team is here to provide guidance, reassurance and nutritious food that fuels healthy development.

Want to learn more about how we support healthy eating in nursery? Explore our Food & Nutrition approach!