Future Health's
Introducing foods to your baby (Weaning)
Weaning is the transition from breast feeding to other foods. It is an extremely important phase during the 6th month of parenthood. Upto 6 months, breast milk is sufficient for all the nutritive needs of the baby. However beyond 6 months, breast milk is not sufficient, however it should not be stopped either. Breast milk has to be supplemented with other foods. Exclusive breast feeding beyond 6 months can lead to your baby being malnourished.
- • Do not stop breast feeding- As mentioned before, breast feeding should not be stopped abruptly unless specifically asked by your pediatrician.
- • Food preparation should be clean- Remember that your baby’s immune system is not as good as yours. Your baby’s body is getting something new whereas for the past 6 months, it has been getting unadulterated breast milk. So make sure your hands are doubled washed, the food plate and glass are clean and that the food has been cooked properly and is semi solid.
- • Plates and Glasses should be cleaned with a proper detergent and there should be NO REMAINING detergent on the plate. It is a highly irritant substance and your plate should be clean of not only dirt and germs, but also of detergent. Wash in running water for better results.
- • Do not expect your baby to like everything the first time itself- Your baby is getting used to the new foods and it will take some time for him to accept it. Do not force food to your baby, but make sure there is variety in the foods.
- • The food should be nutritive and balanced. Do not feed your baby with only a particular type of food, make sure he gets all the required nutrients
- • Canned foods are not necessarily better than home cooked foods. So if you can cook food for your baby in a clean environment, nothing like it. Not to mention, its cheaper and maybe healthier if done correctly.