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Weaning Or Introducing Solids For Baby?

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  • October 21, 2020
  • Shalini Priya

Weaning Or Introducing Solids To The Babies

Weaning is a process of including complementary feeding other than breastmilk or formula milk. Starting weaning to a baby is a big milestone which is fun and worry as well. Most of the mommies are confused about when to start solids for baby. Here I have provided some useful information regarding the same. Hope it helps to begin the solid foods for your baby. Please note that this is my personal experience and I have consulted my paediatrician before introducing solids to my baby and hence I suggest you all to do the same.

When to introduce solids ?

Exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding is recommended by Indian Ministry of Health until at least 6 months of age as breastmilk provides important nutrients to your baby including iron.

After 6 months, breastmilk or formula alone can't produce enough nutrients to your growing baby and your baby's immune system is ready to accept solids. Hence solid food should be included in baby's diet to ensure getting all nutrients, particularly iron.Though till one year the breast milk or formula milk will be the main source of nutrition.

Also many mommies ask that how will the baby eat unless they get their teeth . Let me tell you all the Teeth has nothing to do with introducing solids . My daughter got her first set of teeth when she turned thirteen months but she was self feeding brilliantly since she was Nine months old.

Even once kids get their first teeth, they are typically just the front ones, which only break the food. They use their back gums to do the “chewing.” There are all kinds of solid foods your kid can eat without teeth. Vegetables, fruits and proteins are good to start with.

How to know that the baby is ready for weaning ?

  • The baby gets Curious to know what are eating.
  • Makes chewing motions.
  • Can hold the head up, in an upright position.
  • Sits well with support.
  • Opens mouth on the sight of a spoon coming towards.
  • Baby is turning the head away from breastfeeding or formula once full.
  • Baby has lost the tongue-thrust reflex and does not automatically push solids out of his mouth with his tongue.

Even if your baby is showing these signs, it's always best to wait until 6

Disciplined way of eating

It is important for your baby to get used to the process of eating—sitting up, taking food from a spoon, resting between bites, and stopping when full. These early experiences will help your child learn good eating habits throughout life. And for that I would suggest to invest in a High chair or a booster chair . I encouraged my daughter Mia to sit at a place and eat and thanks to that habit , I don’t need to run behind her to feed her . Self feeding will be messy for few days but eventually things will become easier . Introducing your baby to all family food at early age gets them used to all food and there is lesser chance of allergies

Also please never ever try distraction feeding , such as giving mobile phones or making the baby watch tv while they feed .This will hinder in developing their interest for food.

Encourage Family Meals

Encourage family meals from the first feeding minus salt and sugar . Once the baby turns one you can add sugar and salt in small quantities. When you can, the whole family should eat together. Baby should be given mashed food till 7 months and then you can start giving in pieces as in this way they will get used to the texture of food . Research suggest that grinding food in a mixer and offering leads to baby getting dependent on such food and they reject food without grinding till very late . Hence we never did so and my daughter started chewing at an early age of seven months without teeth !! Research also suggests that having dinner together, as a family, on a regular basis has positive effects on the development of children.Watch your child for cues that he /she has had enough to eat. Do not overfeed!If you have any questions about your child's nutrition, including concerns about your child eating too much or too little, talk with your child's doctor.

No Packaged food

When your baby is ready for solids, prefer healthy homemade foods rather than packaged food.Here is why

  • Homemade food is fresh, delicious, economical and eco-friendly.
  • You can plan your baby's meal with adequate nutrition and ingredients available according to baby’s need and likings.
  • You can protect your baby from artificial ingredients and preservatives. Also packed food are sugar loaded . Baby’s don’t need Biscuits!!.
  • Last but not Least Made with lots of love!

Published by

Shalini Priya

4 Articles

I am shalini Priya. I have worked as a creative head for about ten years in the television industry before turning into a full time mommy. I share my motherhood journey, raw and real through my Instagram handle...

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