Weaning is the process of transitioning a baby from breast milk to other foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breast milk as the exclusive source of nourishment for the first six months of a baby's life. After this age, babies need additional nutrients that you can provide by gradually introducing solid foods.
When to Wean
A mother's decision to wean often depends on a number of factors. Returning to a part-time or full-time job may restrict the number of times you can breastfeed your baby. A low production of breast milk, poor maternal health or the baby's nutritional needs may also prompt your baby's doctor to advise weaning and progression to solid foods. You can start the process of weaning in a gradual manner, by slowly substituting breast milk with small amounts of solid food. Always check with the doctor before you start the process of weaning.
Determining Baby's Readiness
Gauge your baby's readiness to accept solid foods. A baby who cannot support his head properly and is unable to sit up may be unable to eat solid foods. Interest in food is another indicator. If your baby shows interest in your food, he will be more accepting and eager to try new foods. The tongue-thrust reflex in infants makes them push out food from their mouths. Babies who no longer exhibit this reflex are easier to feed. Ability and readiness to pick up food, put it in the mouth and chew it are also signs that your baby is ready for solid foods.
Starting with Solid Foods
Introduce solid food when your baby is happy and a little hungry. Support your baby in a sitting position on your lap or secure her on a high chair if she can sit properly. Mix some infant rice cereal with breast milk or formula and keep it to a watery consistency. Offer a small spoonful of the food to the baby. Sometimes, the food may be rejected, in which case you can wait a minute and try again. It can take some time before your baby learns to accept and eat solid foods. During this time, you can keep up with the regular feedings of breast milk or formula.
Foods to Introduce
Introduce rice cereal first, followed by oatmeal and barley, says the AAP. Introduce wheat cereal and mixed cereals last, to reduce chances of allergic reactions. Once your baby starts eating cereal off a spoon, you can consider introducing a fruit or vegetable. After you introduce a new food, wait for a few days before introducing something else. This will alert you to any foods that may cause an allergic reaction in your baby. For babies around six months of age, you can start with mashed fruits and vegetables such as carrot, broccoli, stewed apple, banana and pear, according to the Public Health Agency of Northern Ireland. You can also try mashed meat such as beef or chicken. Pasteurized cheese, bread, pasta and yogurt are other good choices.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid peanuts, unpasteurized dairy products, raw eggs and foods with added sugar and salt, notes the PHA. Delay the introduction of eggs, cow's milk, citrus fruits and fruit juices till the age of one. Honey can cause botulism in babies and must be avoided till the first birthday. Nuts, seafood and peanut butter are also allergenic and must not be given until the child is two or three years of age, according to the Nemours Foundation. Never leave your baby unattended when he is eating.
Member Comments