Weaning is a natural part of a baby’s development which involves gradually introducing foods into your baby’s milk-based diet. However, weaning can be a challenging process for both you and your baby. Some mothers are excited about their newfound independence, while others worry about their baby not taking to solid foods. Remember that whatever you feel about the weaning process is completely natural but having some more information can help you feel more in control.
When Should a Baby Be Weaned?
Of course, like everything else in your baby’s development, weaning is a personal choice, so you should do what is right for your child. However, for most babies, the right time to start weaning is when they reach about six months old. The reason for this is because, at six months, your baby’s nutritional needs will be growing.
Signs that your baby is ready to be weaned include:
- Your baby can sit up without support and has neck control.
- Your baby opens their mouth when they see food.
- Your baby appears to be hungry earlier than usual.
There are many different approaches that you can take when it comes to weaning. You can follow a child-based approach, which involves following your baby’s own cues and going at their pace. You can take a parent-based approach, which is when you make the decision to start weaning. Alternatively, you could follow partial weaning, which involves slowly introducing one solid food meal into your baby’s milk-based diet.
How Do You Start Weaning?
Your weaning experience will be personal and will depend on your preferences and the needs of your baby. That being said, that are certain tips that you can follow that will make the weaning process easier. Some of the top weaning tips include:
- Follow Your Babies Cues
Don’t be afraid of forcing anything on your baby; just follow their cues, and they will show you what food they like and what they don’t.
- Buy the Right Equipment
Weaning can be a very messy process, so it is important to buy the right kit. In addition, you should purchase specialized items from EasyTots such as weaning spoons, bibs, and cleaning products to make the process much easier.
- Start Slowly
If you are worried about breastfeeding or moving too quickly, you can start your weaning journey by moving to one solid food meal a day.
- Get Someone Else to Do the Feeding
If you are struggling to get your baby to move onto solid foods, you might want to get someone else to do the feeding. Your baby might associate you with breastfeeding and, therefore, might be more inclined to take their food some someone else.
What Foods Should You Choose?
When you are introducing the first foods into your baby’s diet, you should focus on substances that offer flavor and nutrients that can be easily eaten. It is also useful to offer your baby iron-rich food as your baby will naturally start requiring more iron after six months.
Some popular foods to start introducing to your baby’s diet include:
- Banana
- Ripe avocado
- Roasted sweet potatoes wedges
- Roasted apple wedges
- Melon slices
- Thick mango slices
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