Weaning and supplements

At around six months of age, parents will introduce their baby to solid food. This is called weaning. First foods include mashed or pureed vegetables or fruit. At around 10-12 months, harder finger foods such as toast or cut up family meals can be used.

The Department of Health recommends that all children from the age of six months to five years take a vitamin supplement containing at least vitamins A, C and D. Breastfed babies should be given a vitamin D supplement from birth. Babies that are having more than 500ml (about a pint) of formula milk shouldn't need to take an additional supplement (as it contains vitamin D).