Weaning is the process by which your baby moves or shifts from having breast milk to consuming semi-solid or solid foods. There is a gradual reduction in the intake of breast milk and/or baby formula and your baby more often starts taking more solid food. Weaning is one of the many milestones in your baby’s process of development. It is very important for your baby’s health and development.
Why weaning?
After 6 months, breast milk does not provide all the nutrients that your growing baby needs, in particular iron and calories that solid foods provide. For other sources of nourishment, you should try to gradually introduce semi-solid or solid foods to your baby. Hence weaning provides your child a nutritional balance for proper growth and development.
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When to start?
Doctors usually recommend exclusive breast feeding till 6 months. You can gradually start giving solid foods after 6 months along with breast feeding. However, it is advised that you do not force your baby unless he or she is ready to eat semi-solid or solid food. You will have to be patient and try to do it gradually. |  |
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Some signs can indicate that your baby is ready for weaning. Indicative signs are if he or she:- Can sit in an upright position for feeding.
- Shows interest in other foods.
- Keeps putting things in the mouth.
- Shows signs of hunger before the usual feeding times.
- Keeps chewing on things.
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If you feel that your baby needs to be weaned before 6 months, particularly if your baby was born prematurely, you should discuss it with your doctor. Weaning too early might put your baby at a higher risk of developing digestive disorders and adverse reactions or allergies to certain foods.
On the other hand, weaning too late may deprive your baby of adequate nutrition and can result in improper growth and development.
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Types of food
When your baby is 6 months old, youcan start offering him or her a wide range of foods so that he or shegets accustomed to eating different flavours. Introduce only one foodat a time as it will be easier to detect if your baby is allergic toany particular food. If you have a history of allergies in your family,consult your doctor for the best weaning diet for your baby.
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Some of the foods that you can gradually start giving your baby are: - Boiled and mashed vegetables. Use vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, carrots, beans, etc.
- Starchy foods which are rich in carbohydrates like rice, potatoes, cereals, and oats.
- Ripe and mashed fruits, e.g., banana, apple.
- Diluted fruit juice (1 part fruit juice to 10 parts of water).
- Dairy products like cheese and yogurt.
- Commercial weaning products contain a variety of ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of your baby.
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Foods to avoid- Never add salt to your baby’s food. Avoid processed foods which contain high amounts of salt.
- Too much sugar may cause teething problems. Avoid it until your baby is 1 year old.
- Avoid cow’s milk as a drink altogether for 1 year but as it does not meet an infant’s nutritional needs.
- Avoid honey till 1 year as they may cause infant Botulism in rare case.
- Nuts or seeds should be avoided as they may cause choking. If there is any family history of nut allergy, do not give nuts to your baby till he or she is 3 years old.
- Tea and coffee should not be given to your baby.
- Cold drinks or any diet drinks should be avoided as they are not meant for children.
- Avoid citrus fruits (e.g. orange) until your baby is 6 months old as it may cause painful Diaper Rash.
- Foods containing Gluten like rye, barley, wheat-based foods should not be offered till your baby is 6 months old as Gluten can cause Celiac Disease.
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Tips for successful weaning- Always sit near your baby while he or she is feeding so that your baby does not choke.
- Never force feed your baby.
- Make sure that the food is in the right temperature. Do not make it too hot.
- If your baby refuses to eat a particular type of food, consider backing off and offer it later on.
- Offer your baby a wide range of foods so that he or she gets used to different flavours.
- Introduce only one food at a time as it will be easier to detect if your baby is allergic to any particular food.
- Encourage your baby to feed himself.
- Try to make it a family affair as it can encourage your baby to eat with enthusiasm.
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Remember…
No two babies are alike. Some babies can be really fussy in eating while others take to food like a duck takes to water. Do not get disappointed if your baby throws tantrums and refuses the food you offer. Take it easy, be patient and go at your baby’s pace. And soon enough your baby will love to eat. |