By Lisa Wallace
Creator of the Weaning with KINDness™ Method
Early Years Weaning & Development Specialist
When most people hear the word weaning, the first thing they think about is food. What should babies eat?
How much should they eat?
Are they getting enough nutrients
Whilst those questions are important, I believe they only scratch the surface.
After spending more than 23 years working with babies, children and families and more recently speaking with nursery leaders and practitioners across the UK, one thing has become incredibly clear to me.
We’re still treating weaning as a nutritional milestone rather than a developmental one. When we do that, we miss so much of what babies are actually learning.
Weaning is about far more than eating
Every mealtime is shaping baby’s development.
They’re developing oral motor skills that support future speech.
They’re exploring new textures, temperatures and smells through their sensory systems. They’re building confidence to try something unfamiliar.
They’re learning to trust the adults around them.
They’re developing independence, coordination, communication and lifelong relationships with food.
Food is simply the tool. Development is the goal.
The real learning happening around the table goes far beyond nutrition.
Confidence matters just as much as knowledge
Over the years I’ve met countless passionate practitioners who care deeply about the babies in their care, yet many have quietly told me they don’t always feel confident when introducing solids because they’ve never received any specialist training in this are.
That can leave even experienced practitioners questioning themselves.
Should I encourage another mouthful?
Is this gagging or choking?
What if the parents do things differently at home?
How do I support a child who refuses textures?
How do I explain my practice confidently to parents or Ofsted?
Knowledge is important.
Confidence is what allows practitioners to put that knowledge into practice every single day.
Every baby deserves an individual journey
No two babies learn in exactly the same way.
Some dive straight into finger foods.
Others need longer to explore
Some need additional sensory support
Some have medical needs
Some simply need more time.
When we stop expecting every baby to follow the same path, we create environments where children feel safe enough to learn.
That isn’t lowering expectations.
It’s recognising that development isn’t a race.
This is why I created the Weaning with KINDness™ Method
The weaning with KINDness™ Method was created to help practitioners see weaning differently. Not simply as introducing food…
…but as supporting the whole child.
It brings together child development, neuroscience, sensory processing, oral development, communication with families and practical strategies that practitioners can confidently use every day.
When practitioners feel confident, babies benefit.
Parents feel reassured.
Teams become more consistent.
The entire experience becomes calmer, more connected and far more meaningful.
A shift in thinking
Perhaps the biggest change we need isn’t another feeding guideline.
Perhaps it’s changing the question we are asking.
Instead of asking:
“What should this baby be eating?”
Maybe we should also be asking:
“What is this baby learning through this experience?”
Because when we begin to see weaning through that lens, everything changes.
About Lisa Wallace
Lisa Wallace is the Owner of Intuitive Weaning and creator of the Weaning with KINDness™ Method. With over 23years experience working with babies, children and families, Lisa supports early years professionals to build confidence around introducing solids through child development, sensory understanding, oral development and compassionate, evidence informed practice.
Get in Touch
Email : lisa@intuitiveweaning.com
Linkedin :www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-wallaceuk
Instagram: Intuitiveweaning
Services:
- Early Weaning Practice Reviews
- Parent Workshops
- Early Years Staff Training
- Professional Speaking
I’d love to continue this conversation. If you’d like to discuss practitioner training, an Early Weaning Practice Review, a conference session, podcast interview or speaking opportunity, please get in touch.