Food is one of life's greatest pleasures and yet it is also
a source of worry for most parents. For the first 3 months breast milk provides
all the nutrient requirements of the baby, but later with rapid growth babies
need extra energy, protein, iron and other nutrients.
Weaning is the gradual process of introducing a wide range of non-milk solid foods so that by the age of one year baby will be joining the family meals.
For Successful weaning, here are some tips:
- Start by 3 - 4 months, with small quantity at a time. Avoid over enthusiasm!
- Continue breast-feeding, at least till 9 months of age.
- Go at your baby's pace. Baby may spit out initially. It will take time to get used to taste and feel of solids.
- Start with thin diluted feed till baby accepts solid food.
- Make sure everything you use for feeding your baby is really clean. Prepare fresh, warm food every time.
- Reheating and refreezing food for reuse is dangerous.
- Start with one food at a time. Watch for any food allergy.
- Do not force feed the baby. Please do not go by fixed quantities and fixed feeding timings.
- Changes in color, smell, and taste are a must for the baby.
- Modification of family foods is better than prepared formula foods.
Start early (but not before 3 months).
Go slowly. Reach safely.