WEANING -in babies
WEANING is the introduction of solid food into a babies diet.
For first 6 months, baby has to be on milk alone (not even water)
After 6 months begin to start solids( when baby begins to sit/ hold his head )
For first 6 months, baby has to be on milk alone (not even water)
After 6 months begin to start solids( when baby begins to sit/ hold his head )
AIM of weaning
- Introduce 1 item at a time( carrot or banana or apple)
- Consider trying the next new item after 3 -5 days( So no overlapping of allergic reaction)
- Introduce small amounts of solids and slowly build on it
- Continue milk feeds until baby completely accepts solid food
- Watch carefully for any symptoms of an allergic reaction( rash around mouth/ tummy distention/ vomiting/ diarrhoea)
- Babies most often are allergic to the protein in food( Cows milk/ Peanut/ Fish/ Egg/ Meat and others). Hence be more careful introducing these in their diet.
- Stay with baby during feed( in case of baby chokes)
Weaning foods( from 6 months)
- Slowly include mashed or soft cooked fruit and vegetables like potato, sweet potato, carrot, apple or pear, all boiled and mashed (puree).
- Soft fruits like peach or melon, or baby rice or baby cereal mixed with your baby’s usual milk, can be used.
- Give sips of water through a suitable baby cup or spoon after feed from 6 months onwards
- Begin introducing small bits of soft, ripe banana apple or other fruit at 9 months.
- You can boil the bits of fruit to make it easy to chew.
- Whole cows’ milk should be started only after 12 months of age.
Get Medical help in
Choking episodes
Allergic reactions
Abdomen distention/ Diarrhoea/Blood in stool
Excess crying/ worsening reflux