The Why, When And What Of Weaning

NO ABSOLUTE RIGHTS AND WRONGS
Many mums ask the question – what is the ‘right’ age for weaning? For the first six months of life, breast and nothing but the breast is best, since breastmilk contains all the nutrients and immune protective factors a baby needs.

However, according to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, after the first six months of life the ‘right’ time to of wean depends entirely on the mother and baby and their personal circumstances.

BABY'S THE BOSS OR MUM'S THE ONE
Weaning can be baby-led or mother-led. Sometimes babies simply go off the breast, which can cause mothers to feel rejected and dejected. But more often than not, the process is initiated by the mother – because she wishes to reclaim her personal freedom, take medication or resume ovulation and fall pregnant. She may also need to return to work, or simply need sleep!

When embarking on weaning, experts advise mums to gradually lessen the number of feeds, which will cause the milk supply to slowly decrease and give baby time to adjust. Going ‘cold turkey’ can cause distress for baby and blocked ducts and mastitis for mum.

PLAYING WITH THEIR FOOD
La Leche League International advises that mothers should nurse their babies before offering other foods, since they are more likely to show interest in new foods if they are not ravenously hungry. At this age, babies’ interest in food is motivated mainly by curiosity and a sense of playfulness rather than sheer hunger.

Parents should simply accept that, at the beginning of weaning, babies will end up wearing more food than they eat. Some babies prefer fingers to spoons, and seem to mistake food for finger paint. So go with the flow – and mop up the mess. (An old shower curtain under the 'firing range' can help contain the food-war zone.)

FIRST FOOD SAFETY FIRST
It is important to never leave a baby or young child alone with food in case they begin to choke. Babies should never be given small, hard foods like peanuts or popcorn, and foods that are circular in shape such as carrots or grapes should be sliced and then halved or quartered.

La Leche League International advises parents to start weaning by offering tiny amounts of food – about a quarter of a teaspoon once a day. This amount should be gradually increased, together with the frequency of feeding, in order to satisfy babies’ growing appetite and curiosity.

During the early months of weaning, only single ingredients should be offered, with an interval of about a week before introducing something new. That way, it is relatively easy to identify food allergens if and when allergic symptoms occur.

MINI MENU
Good first foods for babies include fruits, especially bananas mashed or cut into small pieces, unsweetened applesauce or tiny cooked chunks, and mashed or finely diced ripe avocado. Needless to say, all fruit should be thoroughly washed and peeled.

Veggies are also popular among junior diners. Popular choices include baked or boiled sweet potatoes, cut into tiny chunks, mashed potatoes, and baby carrots, green beans, peas and pumpkin. Frozen and canned veggies are convenient substitutes for fresh, since they are generally processed at their peak of nutritional value. However, those with added salt should be avoided.

When it comes to meat, shredded well-cooked chicken and fish, with all the bones carefully removed, are popular choices. Well-cooked beans and legumes with the skins removed are also good first foods, but canned varieties should be unsalted and unseasoned.

Commercially prepared, iron-fortified cereals are often fed to babies who are not breastfed in order to ensure they are not deficient in iron. Whole grain cereals, breads and crackers are more nutritious than processed. In general, sugary and salted snacks should be avoided.

Today, there are many excellent brands of commercially prepared, all-natural and organic baby foods. While nothing can compare to lovingly home-cooked fresh food, when time is not on your side, these are an excellent option. Three words of advice: read the label. For first foods, look for single ingredients with no additives.

FIRST FOODS LAST LONGEST
Dietitians will tell you that a child’s eating habits and preferences are formed in the first year of life. Whether you choose to prolong breastfeeding for as long as possible or wean your child after six months (or earlier if circumstances necessitate it), the first foods you offer your child may well set the pattern for his or her lifelong eating habits.

To all new parents, happy weaning. Remember, the tears, fears and smears will soon be a thing of the past. Once weaning is done, you can look forward to the joyous journey of shopping, cooking and eating with your child… The fun has just begun!

Sources:

Australian Breastfeeding Association
www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/weaning.html

La Leche League International
http://www.llli.org/faq/firstfoods.html

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