Weaning Or Introduction Of Complimentary Feeds!

What is Weaning?

All babies reach a stage where only breast milk is insufficient to supply the nutrients required for the growth of the babies. This usually happens at around 6 months of life. This time one has to introduce new foods apart from breast milk which is called as weaning.

How to start weaning?

1. Start with one meal a day and see how your baby reacts.
2. Choose the best time of the day for you and your baby.
3. Try feeding your baby with your family at meal times, or separately to start with.

What position should the baby be when introducing new food?

The best feeding position let your baby bring their hands together, be supported to sit upright and hold their head up easily.

Rules of weaning:

• Use home prepared food as much as possible.
• The food should be smooth and runny liquid as the baby has not learned to chew.
• Use food that is nutritionally balanced and provides energy for growth.
• Begin with pureed food with baby spoon. Gradually you can introduce more soft lumps and see the acceptance of this by your baby
• Breast milk should continue till at least 2 years as this still is a rich source of energy for the babies.
• Baby lead weaning is allowing the baby to join in family mealtimes and share the same food which they can explore and decide how much or how little to eat and how quickly.
• Most babies take only 2-3 teaspoons at a first feed and may even spit
• Be persistent and try the food at least minimum for 5 days to judge the acceptance of the baby.
• Fruits and vegetables are very low in energy and not fit for growing baby as meal but can add energy as a snack. Mashed banana and