Parenting has milestones which basically are stages and developments to look out for in your baby. One of these millstones is weaning which Wikipedia describes as “the process of gradually introducing an infant human or another mammal to what will be its adult diet while withdrawing the supply of its mother’s milk.” In a layman’s language it’s the introduction of solid food to the baby.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), babies should be breastfed exclusives for at least 6 months before any complementary food is incorporated. Otherwise, the ideal time to fully stop breastfeeding and go big on solids is not accurate. This then throws in the blank sheet of when is the ideal time to stop breastfeeding and start weaning.
At Elimuzazi we clear your limbo…
Breast milk is the baby’s first food and an essential growth support to the baby. But there comes a time when breast milk is not enough cause with growth comes demands and pounds of hunger is one very prompt one. At this stage there is need for complement and in comes the weaning stage.
The right weaning stage according to medics is by the 6th month of exclusive breastfeeding. However, children are different and their demands vary as well, there is absolutely nothing wrong with kick-starting weaning at 4 months if the baby’s hunger demands calls for a complement. So ideally weaning should commence anytime between 4 and 6 months of growth, but that does not alter the fact that the ideal time is at 6 months of development, reason being:
- Breast milk provides the right nutrients and energy for the baby up to 6 months or there about, this is a necessity that shouldn’t be interfered with.
- Exclusive breastfeeding protects the baby against random illness and infection as the baby is not exposed to any external feed.
- At 6 months the baby is probably well-developed to cope with solid foods.
- The curiosity stage begins within the 6th month of growth; this is basically when they try holding absolutely anything around them like spoons or maybe feeding bottles hence the right time to introduce something new.
- Babies are more comfortable moving things in their mouth at this stage which makes chewing and swallowing a bit easier.
Weaning is a gradual process that needs patience, consistency and tolerance because much of the food may end up on your clothes than in the baby’s tummy. There will be an urge to stop breastfeeding so the baby can adapt to solid food. Well, that is a wrong move because sudden stop can put you at risk of engorgement and also mess up your baby’s immune and digestive system.
This journey is no walk in the park; babies are remarkable and can easily identify the breast milk scent during feeding. That is an instant put off as the baby will cry for milk instead of the food, so having someone else kick-start this process would be a goal.
Apart from the months milestones there are clear signs from the baby that will help you realize it’s time to wean.
- Unlike before the baby will prefer staying in a sitting position with the head held steady.
- The baby’s eyes will always be fixed on either food or things around them and once they get a chance to pick it will end in the mouth instantly.
- There will be eye coordination with your plate to mouth movement during your meal time.
- If you try giving any food it will be slowed and not spat back.
How to commence weaning
The introduction to solids should be in small portions in between breastfeeding to monitor the baby’s reaction.
Don’t be bothered more about how much they eat rather concentrate on getting them used to the new taste and texture. Also learning how to move food around and swallow.
Do not be worried about losing on energy and nutrients, this they still get from the breast milk or in other cases instant formula.
Be patient and go with their pace and stop whenever thy show signs of having had enough.
Do not force either food or a spoon into the baby’s mouth wait until that permission is granted, they always open the mouth willingly.
Offer variety of foods and keep altering them till the baby is comfortable. It could take a few tries before a certain food is accepted but don’t give up. Also make sure you get the flavors and texture right.
Allow them touch and hold the food, if there is interest in self-feeding allow it. It could be messy but very worth it in the end.
Ensure minimal destruction during feeding meaning screen time should be minimal.
Eat as you feed, babies learn best by copying what adults do.
When the time is right, move the baby from puréed food to mashed food. That is a milestone be keep on it.
Do not go by your older babies pace, they are different.
Be very careful while feeding the baby in order not to put them at any risk. Avoid destruction so if possible be away from either your phone of Television.
Observe and maintain high notch hygiene by:
- Wash your hands and surfaces before preparing the food.
- Personally cool the hot food and taste it before feeding the baby, do not leave in the open to cool.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and peel them before blending or boiling.
- Rinse the baby’s plates and cups in hot water before serving the food.
- Feed the baby in a clean open space.
Whenever you feel the need to stop breastfeeding and start weaning please be sure it’s within the right milestones and also do it gradually. Be gentle and patient with yourself and your baby because this shift can shake your hormones and emotions. If in doubt consult your doctor.