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Weaning is an important milestone in your baby’s development, marking the transition from breast milk or formula to solid foods, where the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and then gradually introducing solid foods while continuing to breastfeed or formula-feed until at least 12 months. However, there are certain signs of developmental readiness that can help mothers decide if their baby is ready to gradually switch to solids.
Signs of weaning
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Srishailesh Mantoor, MBBS, MD, Fellowship in Neonatology at Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital in Koramangala, Bangalore, explained that these symptoms include:
- The baby can sit up and keep his head still
- Showing curiosity about what you eat
- Be able to chew and swallow soft foods safely
- Loss of the action of pushing the tongue forward.
Steps for a smooth weaning
According to Dr. Srishailesh Mantoor, here are some steps to ensure a smooth weaning process:
- Continue to breastfeed or give formula to ensure the baby gets enough nutrition. Solid foods in the early stages should not replace milk, but rather be given as a supplement to milk.
- Start with single-ingredient foods that are soft and easy to digest, such as pureed vegetables, fruits, and grains.
- Establishing regular meal times helps them understand when they will get food and develop healthy eating habits.
- As your baby gets used to eating solids, slowly introduce a variety of foods that include proteins, grains, fruits, and vegetables to ensure a balanced diet.
- At around 8-10 months of age, allow the baby to eat food with his fingers, this will promote his fine motor skills.
She advised, “Weaning is a gradual process and some babies may take longer to adjust to solid foods than others. Follow your baby’s cues and be patient. Consult your pediatrician to meet your baby’s nutritional needs and address any concerns you may have. With the right approach, weaning can be a smooth transition to a new phase of development and exploration for your baby.”
Sharing his expertise on this, Dr Manish Mannan, Head of the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Paras Health, Gurugram said, “Deciding when to start weaning your baby is a different journey for every baby and is a mix of milestones and individual cues. As a pediatrician, I suggest starting solids at 6 months of age. Exclusive breastfeeding is suggested till 6 months of age. Start with one semi-solid meal a day and slowly increase it to 4-5 times a day. We recommend avoiding sugar and salt till the age of one year. I also suggest avoiding all animal proteins including cow’s milk till the age of one year.”
He suggested, “The meals should also be balanced with adequate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamin B complex and iron-rich foods. I recommend pureeing boiled dal and rice, pureeing boiled vegetables with rice and pureeing fruits. Give water after every meal. Remember safety comes first, so anything that is likely to choke should not be given. All food should be pureed. It is a good idea to try to have at least two meals together for the whole family, this way the baby will enjoy his meals more. If your baby does not tolerate or like a particular food, don’t give it right away and try something else and then try the same food again after a few days.”
Remember, weaning is not a race. It’s about gradually moving from milk to solids while keeping your baby happy and healthy.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.
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