·       1. Should I stop breastfeeding?

o       No. Breast feeding should not be stopped during weaning, unless specifically asked to do so by your pediatrician for a specific reason. Breastfeeding should be continued during weaning.

·        2.Should I buy canned foods?

o       Not necessary. Canned foods are not necessarily better than home cooked foods. Home cooked foods, if done properly, are better than most canned foods.

·        3.How do I introduce the food we eat in our family?

o       The best way to do this is by ‘family pot feeding’. The normal family food is given to the baby in a mashed easily digestable form. However there should not be any solid pieces in the food. This an economical way to wean your baby and make him get used to family foods.

o       Avoid spicy foods. Start with bland foods.

·       4. My baby does not like a certain food. What should I do?

o       Nothing. Yes, do not force any food to your baby. It can be done slowly. If you continue to force foods that your baby does not like, you will create an aversion to foods and particularly that food. So you can slowly introduce it later on. Just make sure that he gets the nutritive value of the food in some other form.

·        5.Can I introduce all of the family foods at once?

o       Ideally, introduce foods one by one. The best way to start would be a dhal and rice mix mashed well. This way you will start with giving him carbohydrates and proteins in an optimum balance.

·      6. How do I give food with the optimum nutritive values to my baby?

o       Foods can be enriched by adding pulses, grains, oils, sugars and green vegetables etc.

o       Do not dilute the food with too much water. Food must be mashed for easy digestion, but not watery.

o       Wheat porridge is a good source of protein for your baby

o       Ragi is a good source of Calcium

o       Rice with Dhal is a combination that gives your baby carbs and proteins.

o       Green leafy vegetables are a good source of vitamins and also fibres.

o       Thus by mixing foods, you can create a balanced diet.

·        7.We are vegetarians. Does my baby miss out on important nutrition?

o       No. As long as you can give your baby the proper diet in the right balance, your baby will not miss out on anything important. So do not worry.

·        8.My baby has diarrhea. Should I stop feeding?

o       No. Contrary to popular belief, do not stop either breast feeding or semi solids during common illnesses, unless specifically asked to do so by your pediatrician. Your baby is losing nutrition and its important to give him foods/breastfeeding during such times. But be extra careful in preparing foods and make sure they are very clean.

Also check:  Weaning tips, Nutrition.