Weaning Support
Helping Your Baby Build a Love of Food From the Very First Bite
Starting your baby on solid foods is one of the most exciting milestones in their first year and one of the most confusing. With conflicting advice from books, health visitors, family members, and social media all pulling in different directions, it's easy to feel overwhelmed before you've even picked up a spoon.
I'm Louise Slope, a BANT-registered nutritional therapist with over a decade of experience developing nutritious recipes for UK supermarkets and a genuine passion for helping families make weaning a joyful, stress-free experience rather than an anxious one.
My aim is simple, to leave you feeling confident, well-informed, and excited about this next step. You cannot get this wrong. And I'm here to make sure you believe that.
Why, how you wean matters for life, not just for now
The foods your baby is introduced to in their first year shape their gut microbiome, immune system, and relationship with food for years to come. Research shows that babies exposed to a wide variety of flavours and textures early are significantly less likely to develop picky eating habits in toddlerhood.
Between 6 and 14 months is a critical window, one that Louise calls the "flavour window" where repeated, positive exposure to vegetables, proteins, varied textures, and complex flavours helps babies build food acceptance that sticks. Getting this right isn't just about nutrition today. It's about raising a child who enjoys food, eats well, and arrives at the family table curious rather than anxious.
What makes my approach different
Most weaning advice covers the basics, start at six months, begin with vegetables, introduce allergens early. I cover all of that too. But where I genuinely add value is in the things the standard guidance doesn't tell you:
🌟 Strategies for babies who reject vegetables from the start, practical, evidence-based approaches to repeated exposure that actually work without turning every mealtime into a battle
🌟How to maximise protein and healthy fats in early weaning meals, essential for brain development but often overlooked in generic weaning guides
🌟 Navigating weaning with a sensory-sensitive baby, for babies who gag excessively, reject textures, or seem genuinely distressed by certain foods, I have specialist knowledge in sensory feeding that standard weaning advice doesn't address
🌟Gut health, constipation, and digestive issues during weaning, very common and very manageable with the right dietary approach
🌟Food allergies and intolerances, how to introduce the top allergens safely, and what to do if your baby has a reaction
🌟 Vegetarian and vegan weaning, ensuring your baby gets adequate iron, zinc, B12, omega-3, and protein on a plant-based diet
🌟Immune support and sleep, how what your baby eats affects how well they sleep and how well they fight off illness
Testimonial
“Louise was so helpful and supportive with weaning especially when my baby was diagnosed with egg and dairy allergies at 6 months old. Would highly recommend!”
How I can support your weaning journey
Everyone learns differently and every baby is unique. Here are three ways to get the support that's right for your family:
Weaning workshops — with The Village Midwife
Learn alongside other new parents in a warm, judgement-free group setting. Covering everything from signs of readiness to allergen introduction, first textures, and practical meal ideas. Handouts included, questions very welcome, and plenty of time to share experiences with other parents going through exactly the same thing. Perfect for parents who love learning in a community setting and want expert guidance alongside peer support.
New Beginnings members
Already coming to the New Beginnings postnatal group? Weaning is a natural next step as your baby grows. Dedicated weaning sessions are available specifically for New Beginnings members, just ask at the group or get in touch directly and we'll arrange something that works for everyone.
One-to-one weaning support
For families who want completely personalised guidance or whose baby has specific challenges that need individual attention rather than a group setting. This is particularly valuable if your baby is showing early signs of picky eating or texture aversion, has a suspected allergy or intolerance, was premature or has additional health needs, or is neurodivergent or sensory-sensitive. Available as a standalone Mealtime Reset session or as part of a Nourish or Nurture programme, depending on how much support you need.
Ready to start your baby's weaning journey with confidence?
Whether you'd like to join a workshop, book a one-to-one consultation, or simply have a chat about what weaning support might look like for your family, I'd love to hear from you. Not sure which option is right for you?
That's exactly what the free discovery call is for.
