Unless there are any medical reasons not to do so, all mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their babies. Breastmilk is the safe and nutritious for growing infants. Mothers are advised to breastfeed for approximately six months, after which they should consider giving alternative foods to their infant. Infants have varying appetites and preferences; they should be allowed to eat when they want. In addition, infants should never be forced to eat more than they desire. Parents should be watchful for the signs of feeding too little or too much.
When to Wean
As a general guideline, pediatricians recommend that a mother breastfeed for six months; however, not all women may be able to breastfeed for so long. According to "Nelson's Pediatrics," weaning should be done at a time that is best for both the baby and the mother. By six months, the nutritional needs of the infant begin to exceed the that which can be provided by breast milk. During this time, alternative sources of nutrition should be started. Infants can begin taking solids when they show good eye coordination, are able to hold their heads up and are able to swallow foods.
Foods to Wean With
As babies begin to eat solid food, they learn about different flavors and textures of foods. All babies have preferences about what foods they do and don't like. Pediatricians recommend that initial foods should avoid ingredients that may induce allergies in infants. These include cow's milk, eggs, fish, nuts and soybeans. Parents should introduce one food at a time to learn if the baby enjoys it and to make sure that no allergic reaction occurs following its consumption.
Quantity of Foods
Infants have different food preferences; they may feel hungry at unusual times. On average, each feeding lasts for about 5 to 25 minutes. Because the infant's appetite varies between meals, the amount of food consumed may be variable. Infants should never be forced to eat more than they desire; excess food should be discarded after the feeding is over.
Frequency of Feeding
Infants should be able to determine the frequency of their feedings. Parents need to identify cues to find out if their child is hungry. Underfeeding is suggested by poor weight gain, wrinkling of the skin and irritability. In some cases, infants may refuse food when offered due to difficulties with feeding. Overfeeding may lead to regurgitation and vomiting. Diets high in fat may cause swelling of the abdomen; diets high in carbohydrates may lead to diarrhea.
References
- "Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 18th Edition"; Kliegman et al.; 2008
- NHS: Introducing solid foods: the first steps
