Merely put, weaning is when infants who are wholly dependent on milk are introduced to solid foods. Whenever you introduce your child to solid foods, it is always essential to limit fussy eating and establish a healthy eating habit. This detailed article will find tried and tested weaning tips and the foods to select and avoid. Read on to find out more!
Make it Slow on the First Couple of Days
The most important tip is to introduce solid food slowly into the infant’s diet. Ideally, consider beginning with one serving per day. Pick the time you’ll start feeding the child plus the time when both of you are well-relaxed. Also, since the baby isn’t used to the feeding process, it would be wise to use baby bib with sleeves to avoid messes as denoted by Bibado.
Make the Process Seamless
Start the weaning process with easily digestible foods, such as baby rice. Mix the food with either a formula or breastmilk to make the taste easily recognizable. However, move on swiftly to tastier offerings, like sweet potato, carrots and pear. Additionally, ensure the baby isn’t full. So, begin with half a milk feed and then give solid food.
Remember that the Solid Food is New
The baby may hold the food in its mouth or even spit it out. Don’t be angry as this might happen before the baby is fully adapted to the foods. Sucking milk is a natural reflex, but swallowing solid foods is something that the child needs to get used to. Since the baby pushes the tongue forward during the sucking process, it’s possible to spat out food.
Give the Baby Plenty of Fruits
Fruits are essential when it comes to introducing solid foods to your baby. Fruits incorporate vital nutrients that your baby requires as they are not getting milk often. What’s more? Well, fruits are naturally sweet, and the child will certainly love them. In this case, consider giving your child some apples. Thus, peel an apple, mash it and then give it to the baby.
Assess Potential Allergies
While weaning is engaging and fun, there’re a couple of risks that may arise in the form of food allergies. Giving your baby a varied diet is vital, but it’s essential to be cautious of the potential allergies. According to Healthline, the likelihood of developing allergies is higher if the family has a history of food allergies. Also, children with eczema are allergic to some foods.
Be Mindful of Choking
When you start giving solid foods to your baby, it will help keep a keen eye on potential choking. Nevertheless, remember that gagging is part and parcel of learning how to eat. It mainly acts as a safety reflex and thus stops choking in the babies. A popular sign of gagging entails opening the mouth and moving the tongue forward. Coughing and spluttering are also gagging signs. The child may also appear red in its face. The choking signs include the inability to make noise, silence and turning blue. In extreme cases, the baby may start coughing continuously or even lose consciousness. Here is what to do if your baby starts choking.
