Weaning is a natural stage in your baby's development that marks their gradual transition from a diet based only on breast milk or formula to solid foods. While the exact timing and details of the weaning process vary from baby to baby, it's a normal part of your baby's growth and development.
Most babies are ready to start the weaning process by about 6 months of age. At this point, their digestive system has developed enough to handle solid food and is beginning to show signs of readiness, and be able to sit up with support, develop interest in food, and move food from the front to the back of the mouth for swallowing.
During the weaning process, it is important to make the switch gradually and introduce new foods to allow your baby to adapt and develop their feeding skills. The exact duration of weaning varies depending on your baby's readiness and individual progress, and can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
However, it is best to seek the advice and support of a pediatrician or medical professional during the weaning process to ensure that weaning is done in a safe and appropriate manner that suits your baby's specific needs.
You can adjust the feeding method according to different weaning stages:
If you have to stop breastfeeding before your baby is 6 months old, find a nutritious formula to replace breast milk.
Babies can start to try solid food at this stage, but when they first start eating complementary (solid) foods, the main purpose is to let them learn to chew and swallow, and to adapt the digestive system to solid food. However, at this stage, your baby's main source of nutrition is still breast milk or formula.
Weaning after your child is one year old, you can start to gradually introduce baby food or some dairy products as the main food. You can continue to breastfeed if the situation allows.
Here are some ways you can help your baby through the weaning process:
After breastfeeding, you can try a little baby food or other foods that are suitable for babies. Encourage your baby to taste new flavours and feel the texture of food.
Observe your baby's stool, as long as there is no diarrhoea or indigestion, you can gradually increase the amount of complementary food your baby eats. After a period of time, you can give your baby some baby food each time before breastfeeding.
You can reduce the number of breastfeeding at this stage, and the time of each breastfeeding can also be shortened. At the same time, increase the amount and types of complementary (solid) foods, and gradually replace the proportion of breast milk. You can introduce more solid foods into your baby's daily diet, such as pureed food, cooked vegetables, fruits and baby cereal.
The weaning process requires patience and adaptation. Every baby has its own rhythm and preferences, so you should give your baby enough time to adapt to new foods and feeding methods. Some babies may adjust to solid foods more smoothly, while others may take more time to accept and adapt. It is important to make sure your baby is eating a balanced diet that provides adequate nutrition and to keep a close eye on their growth and development.
During the weaning process, here are some points to take note of:
Dear mummies, don't be too anxious or impatient, every baby will complete the weaning process within a time that suits them. Most importantly, weaning should be a smooth transition, taking into account your baby's needs and physical development while you create a bond with your little one. As babies gradually adapt to solid foods and are no longer completely dependent on breastfeeding, they will embark on more independent dietary explorations and move towards a new stage of growth.
