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Australia shares tips on how to wean children off social media ahead of ban

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, October 17th 2025 at 4:30 GMT by The Independent US
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Australia Releases Comprehensive Weaning Guide for Parents

The Australian Government’s Department of Health has rolled out a new, evidence‑based weaning guide aimed at helping parents transition their babies from breastmilk or formula to solid foods. The release comes amid growing concerns about infant nutrition, allergy prevention, and the need for age‑appropriate feeding practices. The guide, published in a press release and detailed in an accompanying article on AOL, outlines clear steps for parents to ensure a smooth, healthy weaning journey.

Key Takeaways from the Australian Weaning Guidelines

The guidelines recommend that exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding continue for the first six months, aligning with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. After that, parents can introduce complementary foods while maintaining milk feeds until the child is 12 months old, or longer if advised by a pediatrician.

How to Know When Your Baby is Ready

The guide lists six classic signs that a baby is ready to start solids:

1. Head Control – The infant can hold its head upright when seated.
2. Open Mouth to Food – The baby can open its mouth and bring the food toward the throat.
3. Loss of Tongue‑Thrust Reflex – No longer pushing food out of the mouth with the tongue.
4. Interest in Food – Looking at and reaching for food on the plate.
5. Ability to Sit Up – The baby can sit upright with minimal support.
6. Reduced Appetite for Milk – A clear decline in milk intake, showing curiosity about other foods.

These signs help parents time the introduction of solids without rushing or delaying too long, which can affect iron stores and overall growth.

Foods to Start With and Why

The Australian guideline stresses the importance of iron‑rich foods to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Iron‑fortified cereals are the first recommended food, followed by pureed carrots and sweet potatoes. These are chosen because they are low in allergens, easy to digest, and provide essential nutrients.

Other early foods include:

• Pureed apples and pears – offer fiber and vitamin C.
• Banana and avocado – provide healthy fats and potassium.
• Pumpkin – high in beta‑carotene and easy to mash.

The guide cautions parents to avoid added salt, sugar, honey, and processed foods in the first year. Honey is especially risky because it can carry spores of Clostridium botulinum, which can cause infant botulism. The guidelines also recommend that any new food be introduced one at a time, with a wait of 3–5 days before adding another new item. This practice helps identify allergic reactions or intolerances early.

Portion Sizes and Progression

The guide recommends a gradual increase in portion size as the baby grows. At 6 months, a typical spoonful is about 2–4 teaspoons of pureed food. By 9 months, the amount increases to 6–8 teaspoons, and by 12 months the baby can handle a few tablespoons. The guide also advises parents to look for signs of satiety and fullness: turning away from the spoon, closing the mouth, or slowing down the rate of eating.

Practical Feeding Tips for Busy Parents

• Feed at regular intervals – Aim for four to six meals a day, spaced evenly to maintain blood sugar levels.
• Encourage self‑feeding – Offer soft finger foods and let the baby practice using a spoon or fingers.
• Avoid using food as a reward – Consistency in feeding reinforces healthy habits and reduces emotional eating.
• Create a calm environment – Remove distractions and focus on the feeding experience, fostering a positive association with food.

Additional Resources

The article links to a number of helpful resources for parents:

• The Australian Dietary Guidelines page (https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/healthy-eating/dietary-guidelines) provides a broader context on balanced nutrition for all ages.
• A parental education program hosted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (https://www.ai.fam.gov.au) offers workshops on infant feeding.
• A government‑backed video series titled “Weaning 101” showcases step‑by‑step feeding demonstrations and safety tips.

Parents are also encouraged to contact their local pediatrician or a registered dietitian for individualized advice, especially if the baby has pre‑existing health concerns or if the family is following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

The Bigger Picture: Why Weaning Matters

Proper weaning is more than just a transition from milk to solid foods; it sets the stage for lifelong eating habits. The Australian guidelines emphasize that early nutrition impacts cognitive development, immune system function, and risk of chronic diseases. By following a structured, science‑backed approach, parents can help their children thrive physically and mentally.

For more information, parents can visit the Department of Health’s official page on infant feeding (https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/feeding) or join community groups that discuss best practices for weaning.

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