Weaning Baby
i want to share my knowledge about weaning for new mum because i am a new mum same. i hope the information useful for a new mum.
The information for help you wean your baby onto solid foods.
your baby development from breast or formula milk feeding to sharing in the family meal is one of the first stages of growing up.
what is weaning?
Weaning means interoducing a range of foods gradually untill your baby is eating the same foods as the rest of your family.
Until 6 months your baby needs only breastmilk or infant formula milk. Around 6 months your baby need more than milk alone and is able to eat solid foods in addition to breast or formula milk.
When to start weaning?
You should start giving your baby solid foods when they are around six months old, as well as breast or formula milk.
Before six months, your baby's gut is still developing and they need only breast or formula milk. Weaning too soon may increase the risk of infections and allergies.
Try giving solid foods when your baby:
•can sit up
•wants to chew and is putting toys and other objects in their mouth, and
•reaches and grabs accurately.
It is normal for babies aged three to five months to begin waking in the night when they have previously slept through. It is not necessarily a sign of hunger and starting solids will not make your baby more likely to sleep through the night again.
If your baby seems hungrier at any time before six months, they may be having a growth spurt, and extra breast or formula milk will be enough to meet their needs.(information NHS)
First Foods
Fortified cereals such as baby rice often make a good starting point as they can be mixed with breast or formula milk and so are pleasant tasting to babies while also containing the extra vitamins and minerals they need to help them grow. You can also begin to introduce pureed fruits and vegetables into your baby's diet to get them used to a wider range of textures and flavours.
Pre-prepared baby foods are fantastically convenient especially if you work or are on the move. They tend to come in jars and are split into 3 stages; level one being suitable for 6-8 months, level two for 8-10 months and level three baby foods for 10 months plus.
There is a huge choice of baby foods available in the shops and the majority are specifically designed to be of a flavour and consistency that appeals to young infants. Most jarred baby foods are nutritionally balanced so as to provide your baby with the essential vitamins and minerals they need for healthy development.
When selecting pre-prepared foods for your baby you should check the ingredients and avoid those with added sugar or too many additives and flavourings. Organic baby foods are becoming more widely available; these provide your baby with the nutrients they need naturally without enhancement from any chemicals.
By varying the baby foods you feed to your little one, you will help them to develop their palette. This will begin to teach them good eating habits which will become invaluable as they grow older. Lunch is often the best time to introduce new food as your baby will be more awake and probably very hungry!
By supplementing breast or formula milk with a wide range of fruit, vegetables and whole grains you will be able to provide your baby with all the nutrients they need to thrive and help them learn to enjoy food. (more information click http://www.askbaby.com/baby-foods.htm)
**6 to 9 months At this age you should be giving your baby smooth, thin purees.
Try making purees from: apple, pear, mango, banana, papaw, carrot, cauliflower, potato, courgette, pumpkin, broccoli, peas, sweet potato, swede, parsnip, ground rice, or rice flakes, polenta or millet.
Introduce lumpy foods from six to seven months. Between seven and eight introduce finger foods such as breadsticks
**9 to12 months Your baby should now be eating food chopped into pieces, mashed, minced and finger foods. Babies should now be eating three meals a day, as well as milk when waking up and before going to bed. Full fat cow's milk can now be used for cooking (e.g. custard, cheese sauces). (more information click http://www.babyworld.co.uk/)
Progress from offering solid food once a day to solid food at two and then three feeds. Offer different foods at each of the three meals to give more variety.
If your baby is very active you will need to offer snacks throughout the day. Never offer biscuits or sweets to fill empty tummies, give rice cakes, salt-free crackers, bread sticks, toast or fruit. Never give snacks before a meal or it will kill the appetite for a nutritious and balanced meal. Serve water with meals or diluted fruit juices.
How much foods my baby eat?
When you are both ready, you can start to increase the amount of solid food you give. Try to react to your baby’s appetite, so if your baby is still hungry, you can give a little more. Your baby is the best guide to how much solid food you need to give.
Progress from offering solid food once a day to solid food at two and then three feeds. Offer different foods at each of the three meals to give more variety.
Begin to add different foods and different tastes. You will be able to use lots of the foods you already cook for yourself. Just mash a small.
Tips for buy highchair
Comfort - If the highchair is not comfortable your child may get distracted at mealtimes.
Safety - Look for a fixed five-point harness.
Easy to clean - A removable tray can make cleaning easier. Look for models that do not have awkward crevices and these can get dirty and unhygienic. Check any fabric is washable.
Some highchairs fold flat, others store in an upright position.
Attractive - If your highchair is going be seen permanently it is worth choosing a model you find attractive.
Built in tray - Can make mealtimes less messy, but you cannot pull the highchair up to the table. A removable tray can give you the best of both worlds.
Reclining seats - Suitable for babies before they can sit up.
Adjustable footrest - more comfortable for your baby as feet are not left dangling in the air. (http://www.askbaby.com/)
