Weaning; a position statement.

1. Weaning is the process by which the milk fed infant is gradually accustomed to a varied diet. 2. The time at which weaning should commence should be signalled by the infant's being dissatisfied with a milk diet. While this tends to occur around five to six months of age, it may be later. 3. Appropriate foods to start weaning should be almost liquid in consistency, provide useful nutrients, and be of low allergenicity. 4. The aim is to achieve a diet based on family foods. These should conform to the criteria for a healthful diet, but should not be especially low in fat or rich in fibre. 5. In the earlier stages breast milk or formula remains the principal source of nutrition. Weaning foods should not be used in a way which discourages consumption of milks. 6. Water or diluted fruit juice may be used to assuage thirst, but should not supplant milk even in the later stages of weaning, since they contain no calcium or most other essential micronutrients. Tea and coffee are not suitable drinks for young children.