Stages of Weaning Your Baby on to Solid Food

Weaning (also known as ‘complementary feeding’) is when your baby starts taking food in addition to their usual milk feeds

Introducing new food to a baby may make any parent feel understandably cautious, but weaning a baby with cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is very similar to weaning a baby without CMA. The main difference is that you have to be vigilant with avoiding cow’s milk-containing products in the foods you introduce, as you would expect.

The British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI) has developed an excellent summary for parents on how to prevent allergic reactions to food.

How do I know when my baby is ready to start weaning?

Which foods should I give my baby?

Solid foods are often introduced in stages, although the ages are approximate. Every baby is different and will develop at their own pace. The following table gives you an idea of which foods you can feed your baby at these different stages.³

The 3 stages of weaning

First foods
(4–6 months)

Building on weaning
(6–9 months)

Established weaning
(9-12 months)

*Whole or chopped nuts should not be given to children under 5 years of age due to the risk of choking.

Keeping track and spotting allergic reactions during weaning

Help avoid allergic reactions by making foods that are free from cow’s milk protein

There are many alternatives to products that contain cow’s milk. Here are some common substitutions you can make:^6-8

Plant-based 'milks' are an easy alternative to cow’s milk and can be used to substitute cow’s milk in most recipes

Cow’s milk

Hypoallergenic infant formula if breastfeeding is not possible (e.g. Alimentum or EleCare)*, oat, soya, rice^†, pea, coconut, quinoa, hemp and nut^‡ (e.g. almond, hazelnut, cashew).
Plant-based milks should not be offered as main milk source for infants under the age of 1.⁷

Always try to choose a brand of milk that is fortified with calcium where possible (organic products do not always have added calcium). If the product is not fortified with calcium, it is likely that a calcium supplement will be required.⁷

If you are unable to get your child to take any of the above milk substitutes, it is important to seek advice from a dietitian as it may be necessary to start a vitamin or mineral supplement.⁷

*Hypoallergenic formula should be continued until two years of age, however, your dietitian may recommend an alternative milk (e.g. soya [if appropriate]) after the age of one if your baby’s dietary intake is adequate. Ready-made alternative milks may be used as a main drink after two years of age.⁷

^†The Food Safety Authority of Ireland does not recommend giving commercially available rice drinks to children before the age of 4.5 years old.⁹
^‡Avoid nut-based milk alternatives if you have/are at risk of a nut allergy.

Many dairy-free spreads can directly replace butter

Butter

Vegetable, sunflower, olive and avocado spreads^*

^*Check the ingredient list on labels for traces of allergens.

Alternatives to cow’s milk cheese are widely available

Cheese

Soya (if appropriate) and coconut cheese

Dairy-free alternatives to cream, crème fraîche and yoghurt are also readily available in most supermarkets. Vegan products are good alternatives to products that contain cow’s milk, however, it is best to check the label for any allergen traces.⁸