Is your baby ready for weaning? Weaning is a key milestone in a baby’s life. It’s like a rite of passage for mothers and babies. And at times, it can be an overwhelming experience.
You get to experience the first of many things during your life, and taking your first bite of solid food is certainly a memorable milestone. However, in many cases, it does not turn out to be smooth sailing. If you encounter problems, remember that you are not alone!
It is an overall emotionally taxing journey and may have its share of highs and lows. However, knowing a few things beforehand can make it easier and even more successful for you and your child. Here are a few things to keep in mind when weaning your baby.
When to Wean
The first thing to consider is knowing when to wean. Usually, your baby gives cues that indicate they are ready to be weaned. For instance, if they can easily hold their head up or sit by themselves, it is a strong sign. Similarly, if they try to reach out for your food or bite or chew on toys, it is another sign.
Sometimes, you may misinterpret their cues. For instance, drinking more milk or waking up more often at night is not sure signs. Similarly, getting teeth early or reaching a certain weight is also not a determinant of their readiness.
While it is your personal decision when to wean your baby; usually, six months is the recommended age. In some cases, mothers even begin to wean at four months. You can also continue to breastfeed your baby alongside weaning. It does not have to be all or nothing. Just remember to take things slow and look for cues from your baby.
How to Wean
Slow and steady is the way to go! When you begin to wean your baby, start with very small portions. They are tiny humans with very small bellies and their bodies are not used to solid food just yet. Initially, your baby may take just a teaspoon or two of pureed or mashed food. Usually, babies are fed a small portion of rice cereal initially.
You can begin by replacing one feeding session with solid food. As they grow older, you will need to space out their feeding sessions and introduce more solid meals. Also, when they grow older, you can introduce other foods in their diet.
While initially, it is recommended to introduce one food at a time, later, you can mix two or three types for experimentation. For single-ingredient foods, start with bananas, sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots etc.
Determining Food Allergies or Intolerance
As the baby gets older, remember to add chicken and other forms of protein to their diet. At this point, you may also be considering if it would be safe to introduce foods that may cause allergies or other problems in the kids. Usually, food like dairy, nuts, fish, eggs, or wheat contains allergens or may cause discomfort to the child.
For instance, if your child has bloating, skin rash or itching, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort, they could have food intolerance. If someone in your family has a history of food intolerance or you think your baby is showing signs, you can get a food intolerance test to rule out or confirm your suspicion.
Similarly, allergies present themselves in the form of skin rash, hives, nasal congestion, or stomach problems. It is important to get tested and consult a physician for proper guidance.
Conclusion
Weaning does not have to be difficult for you and your baby. With a little bit of guidance and patience, you can make it enjoyable.
Learn to enjoy mealtimes with your child. Avoid sitting in your usual nursing spot or wearing your nursing clothes when feeding them solid food. It may give them mixed cues. Follow your baby’s pace, and do not try to rush them. If they get distracted during their mealtimes, it is ok. However, do keep a close eye especially if they have food in their mouth. Do not force them to eat!
Also, monitor your baby during the initial period of introducing new foods. This will help you catch any allergies or food intolerances quickly. Also consult with their pediatrician to discuss their growth progress during this time.
