1) Sucking is a natural reflex, but swallowing solids is something babies need to learn. When a baby sucks, she pushes her tongue forward, so it’s normal for food to be spat out.

2) The muscles used to chew are the same muscles used for speech, so chewing small lumps will help with your baby’s speech development.

3) In the first week of weaning, give babies solids at lunchtime, as in the morning they may be too hungry and in the evening too tired.

4) It’s a good idea to give a little milk before introducing solids so that your baby’s not frantically hungry.

5) Cows’ milk contains very little iron or vitamins C and D and shouldn’t be given as your baby’s main drink in the first year. From 6 months you can use it in cooking or in your baby’s cereal.

6) One in 5 babies aged 10-12 months has a daily intake of iron and essential fatty acids below the desired level. Include red meat and oily fish, such as salmon, in your baby’s diet.

7) Honey shouldn’t be given to babies under 12 months, as in very rare cases it can cause infant botulism.

8) Eggs can be given from 6 months but must be thoroughly cooked until both the white and yolk are solid.

9) No salt should be added to food for babies under 12 months – their kidneys are too immature to cope.

10) Do not refreeze meals that have previously been frozen. The exception is raw frozen food, which can be returned to the freezer once cooked,for example, cooked frozen peas.