Information about weaning for beginner mothers.

Many people have heard about the word weaning. But do you know what does it mean? What does it mean? 

Here, let me explain all things about Weaning. 

What is Weaning?

Weaning is the term that comes from 'wemian' and it means accustom. Weaning begins from the moment supplementary is started and continues till the child is taken off the breast completely. We give children all liquid forms of food but weaning is the term when semi-solid food is given to the children. As the children are growing their need of the body for food is also increased. They do more activities and to give them strength for that they need more food. 

The importance of Weaning

Infants in our country thrive on breast milk alone up to six months of life and their growth rate during this period is satisfactory. After six months, increased needs of calories and protein of growing children cannot be met by diminishing output of mother's milk. 

Milk is also a poor source of vitamin C and supplementation with fruits juice is essential. Iron stores in the liver of the infant would last only for 4-6 months. Hence iron-rich foods should be given at least from six months onwards. Milk is deficient in vitamin D. 

If the baby maintains the expected growth rate, remains healthy and well-nourished, supplementary feeding has to be restored to around the 6th month. The supply of breast milk decreases because the baby suckles less frequently, less vigorously, and less effective at the breast. The baby runs the risk of recurrent infection which is likely to result in malnutrition, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. 

The introduction of weaning food too late can lead to undernutrition and increased diarrhoeal morbidity. The child may be unwilling to accept a new food. 

The factors that should be considered during Weaning

- Introduce one food at a time. So the child will know the taste and how the food is. If he accepts it then he will eat it and if he doesn't accept the food then he will throw it. 

- First, give a small amount to children (1 tablespoon) and let the child become familiar with food and taste. So when next time you introduce the food to children he will accept it easily. 

- Juices of fruits and vegetables should strain (without pulp) and then give to children. When the juices are fed using a cup or spoon but don't use bottles. 

- At the time when the infant is about 8-9 months old and he is able to chew the food. Then add finely chopped fruits or vegetables to the food. 

- Variety of food is also important. When we give more options to a baby then it will be easy for him/her to choose what he/she likes and dislikes. 

- Try also this one thing. Give them food with other mixes like if you are giving the cereal formula then add sometimes egg or milk or juice. And observe them are they taking the food mixture or they are rejecting it. 

- The other thing about food the mother should consider. The baby doesn't accept easily food and they do omit the food easily. But keep trying for 2 weeks later if the baby likes the food then he/she will accept and if he/she keeps omitting the food then food doesn't have any chances. 

- The baby's condition and weather also play an important role. During hot weather or when the baby is teething or suffering from cold, the child's appetite may be less. So keep an eye on every moment of the baby. 

- The consistency of solid food starting should be thin and then you can change the consistency according to the acceptance. 

- Use a bowl/Katori and spoon, make fresh preparation of food for baby, if you think the baby doesn't have fullness satisfaction then you can add oil/ghee (fat) to the infant's food. 

- Try to include seasonal food. As seasonal foods have an advantage and according to that baby will also get some options in food. 

- The other thing that should keep in mind is the food should be given between breastfeeding. 

There are other factors or we can say problems in weaning. So these are points you should also keep an eye on. 

Underweight: Many infants become underweight from the starting of their life. It is also related to weaning. If you don't provide a good quantity and quality of food to a baby then it will lead him/her to underweight like condition. If the child is not meeting his/her daily requirement then he might suffer from some illness. Which also leads to underweight conditions. So keep an eye on the food you are providing to the infant. Because if these keeps continue then it is the reason that child will become malnourished in the future. 

Obesity: We all love chubby chicks and healthy babies. But if you keep feeding the baby more food than his requirement then it will lead to childhood obesity in the future. Don't overfeed the baby only standard requirements are enough and don't feed him continuously because this kind of thing later becomes a habit. 

Food Allergy: If the child will get some reaction after eating the food then you should just skip that food. Because it indicates that she/he is having a food allergy. Or the baby will omit the food immediately that is also the sign you should notice. 

Diarrhea: As the baby will also sometimes suffer from diarrhea, because every baby has a different body. The way the body reacts to things is different. Sometimes heavy food which is not digested by a baby also leads to diarrhea or infection also causes diarrhea. 

Choking: As we start the feeding give them a small frequency of food. Because as the new food for baby and don't know how to swallow it so it can also lead to choking. So be careful when it comes to babies. 

This is some information about weaning food. You should keep in mind and how to deal with it. I hope this information will be helpful for you. Babies are very soft and fragile. We should take care of them with our full heart but we should be careful about everything regarding the baby. 

Stay healthy and stay safe :)