When You Should Wean is Really a Question
When you should wean is really a question facing all breastfeeding mums. So how exactly does a brand new mother know when you should introduce solid food into her baby’s diet and what kind of food can an infant eat?
At the moment the planet Health Organisation suggests that babies be breastfed solely for six several weeks. A very long time, it may seem, especially in the center of a colic episode or growth spurt! However, you will find real concerns for that welfare of babies which have brought for this advice.
Previously many babies were given solid meals at very youthful age range. It’s now thought their physiques were not able to handle the requirements this positioned on them a dramatic rise in the incidence of allergic reactions and food intolerances meant recommendations were examined and changed.
When you should wean is really a question facing all breastfeeding mums. So how exactly does a brand new mother know when you should introduce solid food into her baby’s diet and what kind of food can an infant eat?
The primary danger that accompany presenting solid food too soon is the fact that babies may receive an excessive amount of salt within their diets, resulting in potential kidney problems in later existence.
So, should you stick to the advice around the globe Health Organisation, you will find that it seems sensible to postpone giving food apart from breastmilk for that first six several weeks.
How do we encourage a 6 month old baby to consume solids? The primary factor to keep in mind is you should introduce solids progressively.
Once your baby is ready for solid food he will begin to demand feeds more often, and may never appear satisfied for very extended. He will start to have a desire to have your meals and can make an effort to help themselves! He’ll begin lip-striking and eating while he mimics you. An authentic sign that solids are imminent is the development of teeth.
Make contact with a health-customer if you feel your child is extremely hungry. In case your baby is under six several weeks you might find that he’s just dealing with an extended growth spurt. If this sounds like the situation, his hunger will usually settle lower following a couple of days whenever your milk supply has elevated.
Whenever your baby reaches the 6 month target, and you’re simply sure that he’s ready for solid food, consider using a teaspoonful of watery baby grain or baby porridge. Keep meals very bland and runny at the start.Once he is used to solid foods, and is no younger than six months, you can quickly move onto adult cereals like Weetabix and Readybrek.
It is wise to only introduce one food at a time so that you can identify any intolerances or allergies. Sometimes these can take several days to take effect, so stick to one food for a few days before moving onto another.
Some babies are happy to have one solid feed a day at the beginning of weaning, whereas others require more frequent feeds. It is a good idea to offer the breast before and after each feed to maintain a good milk supply.
Cows milk and dairy products, eggs, fish particularly shellfish), nuts (especially peanuts), some fruits and foods containing gluten can all cause allergic reactions. So be careful with your choices…
From six months babies can digest protein so red meat, fish ,eggs, cheese, chicken and pulses can all be introduced.
Do not give peanuts to babies under one year old: if there is a history of allergies in your family avoid giving them for at least three years. As well a being an allergy hazard they can also be a choking hazard.
Honey should also be avoided for the first year as babies can contract botulism from it.
Eggs must be thoroughly cooked but can be introduced from six months.
Buy gluten-free baby food at the beginning of weaning, if possible, as gluten can cause coeliac disease. Usually a six month old baby can digest gluten without any problems but younger babies are more at risk.
Some babies react to citrus fruits such as oranges but alternative fruit juices can be given instead, such as apple juice.
Never add salt to food which your baby will eat. If he is ready to eat the same meals as the rest of the family do not add gravy until you have removed the baby’s portion, as gravy can contain a lot of salt.
It is best to introduce savoury foods prior to sweet foods as babies very quickly develop a sweet tooth! They tend to enjoy pureed carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, turnip and parsnip and any combination of these foods. Babies also love stewed apples and pears or mashed bananas and strawberries!
However, many babies dislike potatoes at the beginning of weaning. When the baby is a little more experienced with tastes and textures you can start adding some potato to his meals.
Let the baby decide when he has had enough of any particular meal. Never force-feed the baby. He only needs a little bit of solid food each day. For some babies a few spoonfuls will be enough; for others a main course and dessert are required!
If he refuses to eat one type of food avoid it for a while and try something else. Return to the disliked food after a few days and try again. Some babies can be very fussy, whereas others eat whatever is placed in front of them!
Take it slowly and it will not be such a big change for either you or your baby. Weaning should be a fun experience for you both. After a very short time your baby will look forward to his solid feeds and will even start to let you know that he wants more!
