NiS is supported and advised by medical experts including GP and TV doctor Dr Chris Steele, health journalist, medical author and GP Dr Sarah Brewer, and consultant paediatrician Dr Colin Michie.

Dr Sarah Brewer answers a number of commonly asked questions

Q: My baby is 4 months old, when can I start her on solid foods?

A: A baby should normally receive only breast or formula milk until she is at least four to six months old. You can then start introducing a little pureed solid food. Only offer your baby products especially designed for weaning - do not give cereal products intended for older children, or pureed family meals, as these may contain too much salt or other additives. Try to encourage savoury rather than sweet foods.

Between the ages of 4 - 6 months:

A baby normally needs at least 600 ml of breast or formula milk per day plus any of the following made up into a smooth, bland tasting mash or puree (don't add salt.)

• Low fibre cereals e.g. baby rice, baby porridge
• Soft fruit and cooked vegetables, e.g. pureed apple or carrots
• Pureed soft meats and pulses (e.g. chicken, beans)
• Cow's milk products e.g. yoghurt, fromage frais, custard, cheese sauce

Between the ages of 6 - 9 months:

Once your baby easily accepts food from a spoon two or three times a day, he usually needs 500 - 600 ml breast or formula milk per day, plus:

• Starchy foods two or three times a day e.g. wholemeal bread, toast, cereals
• Fruit and vegetables at least twice a day (e.g. mashed banana, peeled apple slices, fingers of raw carrot)
• Soft, cooked mince, pureed meat or fish, pulses or chopped hard - boiled eggs once a day for protein
• Cow's milk products, e.g. yoghurt, fromage frais, custard, cheese sauce, plus hard cheese as a finger food.

If cooking food that will be given to both your baby and the rest of the family, remember not to add salt during cooking. If you want to salt your own food, do so only at the table, after your baby's portions have been set aside.

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