Weaning marks a crucial milestone in your baby’s development, shifting from breast milk or formula to solid foods. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and then gradually introducing solids while continuing to breastfeed or formula-feed until at least 12 months. Recognizing signs of readiness helps parents determine when their baby is prepared for this transition.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Shrishailesh Mantur, a specialist in Neonatology at Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital in Bangalore, outlined essential steps for a smooth weaning process:
Continue Breastfeeding or Formula Feeding: Maintain milk feeds to ensure your baby gets enough nutrition. Solids should complement rather than replace milk initially.
Start with Simple Foods: Introduce single-ingredient, soft foods like pureed vegetables, fruits, and cereals that are easy for your baby to digest.
Set Regular Mealtimes: Establish a routine to help your baby anticipate mealtimes and develop healthy eating habits.
Diversify Foods Gradually: As your baby adapts to solids, slowly introduce a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet, including proteins, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Encourage Self-Feeding: Around 8-10 months, allow your baby to explore self-feeding with finger foods to enhance fine motor skills.
Dr. Mantur emphasizes, “Weaning is a gradual process. Some babies may take longer to adjust to solids than others. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and be patient. Consult your pediatrician to ensure nutritional needs are met and to address any concerns. With the right approach, weaning can be a smooth transition to a new stage of growth and discovery.”
Dr. Manish Mannan, Head of Paediatrics and Neonatology at Paras Health in Gurugram, adds, “The timing for starting weaning is unique to each baby, based on milestones and individual cues. I recommend beginning solids at 6 months of age, starting with one semisolid meal a day and gradually increasing to 4-5 meals a day. Avoid sugar, salt, and animal proteins, including cow milk, until one year of age.”
He advises, “Ensure meals are balanced with carbohydrates, proteins, fats, Vitamin B complex, and iron-rich foods. Good options include mashed boiled dal and rice, pureed vegetables with rice, and pureed fruits. Offer water after each meal. Safety is crucial—avoid foods that could pose a choking hazard. Puree all meals. Try to have at least two family meals together to make mealtime enjoyable for your baby. If your baby doesn’t like a particular food, try something else and reintroduce it later.”
Remember, weaning is not a race but a gentle transition from milk to solids, focusing on your baby’s well-being and enjoyment.
