Weaning baby - a time of trial and success!
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If the thought of weaning your baby from liquids to solid foods raises many questions for you, don’t worry! You are among the many thousands of parents experiencing these similar weaning and feeding related concerns. In reality baby weaning is much easier than at first it may seem, and can very rewarding indeed.
When it comes to the early stages of weaning there really is no right or wrong way for families to begin. Probably the most important gift you can give yourself, and your baby, is the freedom to feel the way, to go with your instincts and to relax. Allow your baby’s reaction to be your guide; they will show you what works best for them.
Weaning usually starts from about the age of six months, but this will vary from baby to baby. You may start to notice your baby still seeming hungry after milk feeds, and if this persists for two or three feeds it might be a good time to try baby’s first weaning solids. Because every baby is unique, even within the same family, weaning each child will be an entirely individual experience. It is quite usual for things that worked for your first child, not to work for the second, and so on. Try not to be discouraged if this is the case, and be ready to open up to a whole new approach to feeding that will suit the new baby perfectly.
Choose a weaning food, something that feels suited to the new baby’s palate; like baby rice or any of the base recipes given in the baby weaning recipes eBook. These first weaning recipes serve perfectly for the early development stages on their own, or with any of the accompanying ingredients showing in the 6months baby food section.
Start by mixing a little of your puree of choice in a bowl. To test the temperature is cool enough dab on your lip: it should leave no sensation of heat or cold. This will indicate if it is safe for feeding to your baby. Never give your baby a formula that is hot or freezing cold. A mixture that is at about body temperature (37 degrees Celsius) is perfect.
A similar approach to that of the temperature test is used for beginning the first few feeds with baby. Dab the spoon into the bowl of baby food and present the spoon to the mouth of the baby. At this point your baby will either gobble it down, or, if they are less hungry or unsure, they might simply lick the spoon and roll the new mixture around on their tongue for a while. Every reaction is perfect and trust that your baby knows what pace they can best progress with. Never attempt to feed a baby more food than they willingly accept. They will know when enough is enough and so long as your baby is gaining weight appropriate to their age group everything should be working out fine. If there are any concerns your health visitor will be able to advise.
As the solid food becomes more accepted, increase the quantity given at each feed by your baby’s own direction as hunger persists. Most babies at six months old will only eat a quantity small enough to fill a single ice-cube section; developing up to an amount large enough to fill an average sized yoghurt pot (about 125g). It can be useful at this point to keep a few ounces of natural spring water to hand as they might appreciate an ounce or two between feeds to keep thirst at bay.
In your own time you will be able to interpret what your baby really wants or needs. You will have a clearer sense of how to feed them, how much to give, and when. So perseverance is the key, and trust. Soon it will be possible to see a regular meal pattern emerging, and the baby will be enjoying the new and exciting recipes you introduce.
The process of natural development and responding to your baby’s signals is a timeless ritual between loving parent and child. Just give them weaning food that they respond to and then you can steadily increase the variety and quantity at baby’s own pace.
Take the time to relax with your baby during this special period of bonding and adventure; the first adventure you’ll undertake together! And remember that however you are doing it, you are doing a good job, and your baby is certainly grateful. If you have any doubts or questions, or are ever unsure about any aspect of weaning and baby nutrition; ask your local health visitor for advice and he or she will be happy to help you and get baby’s weaning in full flow.
For further information on weaning or to access a catalogue of homemade baby weaning recipes, including a variety of vegetarian, vegan and organic baby recipes see: 45 Simple and Nourishing Baby weaning Recipes.
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