Written by the editorial team | Updated: IST 11:57 AM, November 11, 2021
Weaning is an important stage for all babies. It is an important change in the baby's eating habits and can stimulate the child's cognitive and emotional maturity. The term weaning refers to the gradual addition of foods other than breast milk to the baby's diet. This is a unique journey for every child, and their personal tastes and preferences begin to develop. Therefore, it is necessary for the baby to have a positive and good attitude towards food from the beginning, so as to lay the foundation for healthy and correct eating habits.
There is no fixed "recipe" that determines how to wean babies. Generally speaking, it is recommended to start with fruit because of its sugar taste, rich vitamin and mineral content, and semi-solid consistency. Then continue to eat vegetables, grains and protein. Therefore, when parents are not sure about the right time or food to start weaning, they are usually advised to consult a healthcare professional.
Although there is no exact time to start weaning your baby, the World Health Organization and many pediatric associations recommend weaning start around 6 months. In any case, no earlier than week 17 and no later than week 26. This is because a baby of about 5 months has a more mature digestive system and neuromuscular abilities, allowing him to swallow, grab a spoon and adopt a sitting position. Please also read No, cloth diapers are not dirty! New parents should stop believing in the National Nutrition Week: What to feed the baby in the first year The baby's first bowel movement can determine whether the child will have allergies in later life. More news
In order to make the baby's weaning process smooth and enjoyable, parents must choose the baby's first spoon and tableware very wisely. The tableware you choose should be designed according to the needs of each age group, from beginners (over 6 months) to big eaters (over 18 months). While introducing new foods and new textures to babies, it is vital that they participate in the whole process happily. Energetic tableware is a good choice for parents, because babies are often attracted by bright colors, graphics and patterns. Parents should also pay attention to the health and safety of the baby when choosing tableware for their children-soft silicone materials without BPA should be preferred over other materials, because the silicone tip can ensure maximum gentleness to the baby's gums.
Learning to drink is a journey that starts from weaning; therefore, it is important to choose a cup of the right shape and size. At the beginning, when you transition your baby to his first cup, please choose a splash-proof cup. It has a soft silicone nozzle, which is sensitive to the baby’s gums, and has an easy-to-grip handle for the baby. The small hand can be held. In addition, parents should be specific when choosing products at different stages of the baby's weaning phase. For babies over 6 to 8 months old, parents must pay attention to the bite-proof cup. For older and active babies over 12 months, you must choose a cup that is suitable for outdoor travel, equipped with a straw, and has the ability to keep the liquid warm for a longer time.
In the initial stage, parents can choose a soothing bib that is soft and highly absorbent, which can absorb drips and leakage, which is considered an ideal choice for protecting clothes from stains and odors during feeding and teething. Now, some weaning bibs are waterproof from one side, will not damage the baby's clothes, and can be easily washed.
The weaning stage is also the period of infant physical development. Therefore, parents should ensure that the baby sits in the correct posture when eating. When the baby starts the weaning journey, the spinal cord and neck are still fragile. In order to make the baby's first meal comfortable, parents can choose from different types of high chairs available on the market. The soft and flexible high chair designed for babies from 06 months to 3 years is an ideal choice to help them feel relaxed and cuddled during meals.
For newborns, weaning is not only a delicate step from a nutritional point of view, but also a stage of gradually mastering new skills and learning to do things independently. Therefore, more consideration and care should be taken to make the journey enjoyable and easy.
(This article was written by Mr. Rajesh Vohra, CEO of Artsana India with the assistance of Chicco Research Center)
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