What to Expect When Working with a Weaning Consultant?

What to Expect When Working with a Weaning Consultant?

Starting your little one on solid foods can feel overwhelming. Whether you're considering baby-led weaning or traditional spoon-feeding, having professional support can make all the difference. But what exactly happens when you work with a weaning consultant? Let me tell you what this might look like and how it can help create a positive start to your baby's food adventure.

Why Consider a Weaning Consultant?

The shelves are packed with weaning books, and your social media feed probably shows endless perfectly arranged baby meals. Yet somehow, all this information can leave you feeling more confused than confident. A weaning consultant offers personalised guidance that cuts through the noise and focuses on what matters for your family.

Many parents I work with tell me they initially thought weaning consultants were just for families facing difficulties. The reality is that support can benefit everyone, whether you're feeling anxious about starting solids or simply want to ensure you're setting strong foundations for your child's relationship with food.

A weaning consultant is a qualified infant feeding specialist who provides personalised support and guidance to families starting their baby's solid food journey. They offer expert advice on both traditional and baby-led weaning approaches, helping parents navigate common challenges and create positive feeding experiences.

The Consultation: What Actually Happens?

Your session usually lasts about 45-60 minutes, and it's far more relaxed than you might expect. We typically meet via video call - at a time that feel comfortable for you. This isn't about judging your home or kitchen setup; it's about understanding your family's needs and creating a practical plan that works for you.

During this session, we'll discuss:

- Your baby's current feeding patterns and development

- Your family's eating habits and typical daily routine

- Any specific concerns or goals you have

- Your preferred approach to weaning

- Kitchen equipment you might find helpful

- How to make mealtimes work around siblings if you have them

Creating Your Personalised Plan

Unlike generic weaning guides, working with a consultant means getting advice tailored to your situation. We'll work together to develop a practical plan that considers everything from your working hours to whether you're raising a vegetarian family. This isn't about following rigid rules - it's about finding an approach that feels manageable and enjoyable.

You won't come away with a meal plan - that's just too inflexible for real life. Instead I prefer to leave you with overarching guidelines to follow and adapt as your baby grows. You want to leave the consultation feeling confident in making food choices for yourself, not needing to rely on a written plan.

Common Questions Answered

How Much Time Will I Need to Commit?

Beyond the initial consultation, most consultants will ask you to spend some time completing questionnaires, feeding diaries, and possibly taking photos or videos. There's likely to be the option to follow-up after the consultation, either through email or with a shorter video call. A weaning consultant should offer a package that suits your needs, rather than forcing a set number of calls on you.

What About Cost?

While prices vary across the UK, expect to pay between £60-120 for an initial consultation. Many consultants offer packages that include follow-up support, but be sure that this is something you need before jumping in to pay for something excessive. As well as the time the consultant spends on the consultation with you, they are likely to spend 1-2 hours in preparation, reviewing any questionnaires and videos that you've shared.

Is It Too Late If We've Already Started?

Absolutely not! While many families seek support before beginning weaning, consultants regularly work with parents at all stages. Whether you're just thinking about starting solids or facing challenges with an older baby, professional guidance can help at any point.

Preparing for Your First Session

To get the most from working with a weaning consultant:

- Note down any specific questions or concerns

- Take photos of current meals if you've already started weaning

- Have your baby's daily routine handy

- Be honest about what feels challenging

- Share any relevant health information

The Real Benefits

Working with a weaning consultant isn't just about learning what foods to offer and when. The real value comes from:

- Building confidence in your parenting decisions

- Understanding normal eating development

- Learning to trust your baby's appetite

- Creating positive mealtime routines

- Preventing common feeding challenges

- Getting support specific to your family's needs

Read more on creating a positive relationship with food here.

Making the Right Choice

When choosing a weaning consultant, look for someone who:

- Has relevant qualifications in nutrition infant feeding

- Is registered with professional bodies, such as AfN or the BDA

- Makes you feel comfortable and heard

- Offers flexible support options

- Has experience with your specific concerns

- Provides clear information about their approach and costs

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Starting solids is a significant milestone in your baby's development, and having professional support can make it an enjoyable experience rather than a stressful one. If you're considering working with a weaning consultant and have questions, I'd love to chat about how we can work together to create positive mealtimes for your family.