Weaning is the process by which babies who were fully reliant on milk are introduced to solid fats. It means starting to give an infant other types of food except for breast milk. It is a gradual process to let the baby explore other tastes and textures of food and increase their nutritional intake as well. Through this process an infant becomes accustomed to the adult diet gradually. It is the most crucial period in the child’s development. During this period foods rich in protein and other nutrients are given to the child. These foods are called supplementary foods. As the baby gets older it needs more food to grow and stay healthy.
CHARACTERISTICS OF IDEAL WEANING FOODS.
- High in energy.
- Easy to digest.
- Low in bulk and viscosity.(not too thick).
- Fresh and clean.
- Inexpensive and easy to prepare.
RULES FOR SAFE PREPARATION OF WEANING FOODS.
- Wash hands before preparing food.
- Prepare them immediately before they will be eaten.
- Cook or boil food well.
- Mash food with a clean spoon.
- Do not store weaning foods for more than two hours if possible.
- Keep them in clean covered containers.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER IN WEANING.
- Wheat, milk, eggs, and citrus juices may cause infant allergies, thus baby should be given any food for one to two days first and check whether it is safe or not.
- Don’t persist to feed a food item if the baby shows a dislike or vomits it up.
WEANING FOODS FOR INFANTS (Different Age Groups)
INFANT’S AGE (4-6 MONTHS.)
- LIQUID-Fruit juices(1-2 spoons)
- GRAINS-1-2 tablespoon of dry infant cereal mixed with breast milk.
- FRUIT-Juices of fruit (apple, banana) only one to two tablespoons.
- Vegetables-In juice form starting with one to two tablespoon.
INFANT’S AGE (5-6 MONTHS)
- Fruit juices in semisolid form. (apple, banana)
- Cereals – Suji, kheer, oat meal,(In semisolid form), can cook cereals in a cup of milk or water.
- Vegetables-Steamed or boiled vegetables in pureed form like mashed potato, mashed sweet potato.
- Meat- none.
INFANT’S AGE (6-8 MONTHS)
- Mashed banana or apple with milk, mango, citrus fruits like oranges.
- Cereals-Suji kheer, oatmeal, rice, yellow moong dal properly cooked in water.
- Egg Yolk-Starting with half tablespoon and gradually increasing to one yolk.
- Vegetables-Mashed vegetables or in thin khichdi form well cooked.
INFANT’S AGE (9-10 MONTHS)
- Khichdi with pulses and vegetables which is well cooked.
- Fruits-Mashed or very finely chopped fruits like banana, mango, kiwi, apple can be given.
- Half cup of yoghurt or shredded cheese can be given.
- Egg Yolk in scambled form.
INFANT’S AGE 10-12 MONTHS
- Servings of fruit and khichdi with vegetables can be increased gradually.
- Well cooked or chopped vegetables like potato, sweet potato, carrot, peas can be given.
- Fruits- diced fruit pieces of apple, banana, kiwi,melons,citrus fruits can be given.
- Meat can be introduced starting with small quantities.
- Whole egg including the egg white can be given in scrambled form.
Following these diet patterns for your little one’s will help them grow healthier. As a parent, what else do you want? A child’s health is everything, especially when it comes to the initial birth years. Hope this helps you in taking better health care of your baby!
