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Baby's Diet Topics..

 
You are here : home > Baby's Diet > Introduction of Solids > Weaning the Baby onto Solids

Weaning the Baby onto Solids

Weaning the Baby onto Solids

Weaning should be done gradually only after four months of exclusive breast feeding. Introduction of solids should be done to develop a wide range of tastes in the baby. Outside food should be given along with breast milk. Since breast milk protects the baby from many infections and illnesses, so it should be continued for up to at least one year.

When should solids be introduced in a child's diet

If the mother is breastfeeding the baby, she should give breast milk exclusively in the first four months, and then from the fifth month onwards, start introducing solids (see section on introducing solids). From the fifth month onwards, breastfeeding should be continued, but you can now start weaning the baby and introduce the other foods in her diet. Note that as the baby starts having less of the mother's milk, water should also be introduced.

If the baby is having breast milk, when should regular milk be introduced

Either cow's or buffalo's milk can be introduced in the child's diet around 8-9 months. If the baby is breastfeeding well, it can be delayed even more, because external milk often does not suit very young babies. Note that you should continue breastfeeding the baby, although the number of breast feeds may now be reduced to about 3 times a day. Since breast milk protects the baby from many infections and illnesses, breastfeeding (along with other foods) should be continued until the baby is at least 1 year old.

I have been told that I should introduce only one new food each week

The purpose of weaning is to not only introduce the baby to regular food, but also to develop a wide range of tastes in the baby. Therefore, instead of sticking to the same diet everyday, it is good to vary the diet with different foods. However, do not introduce different foods at the same time. In fact, introduce only one new food each week and try it for a few days. The reason is that you will know if the child is tolerating that food well, or if it does not suit him. For the same reason, many of the readymade foods like Gerber have infant foods with only one kind of fruit or vegetable in a bottle.




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Vruti
Vruti.8 years ago
What kind of food give to my 5th month old baby?
 
 
 
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.14 years ago
To 'Poonam'
Hey dear, I am not sure what the problem in breast feeding is for you..However I would suggest not to give up this noble job yet. WAit for a week to see if the problem persists.. I suspect it is less milk production. I would like to tell you that in this stage of baby, there is a growth spurt due to which baby seems to be hungry all the time. However, this does not last long , (beyond a week) so persist and if in doubt, consult a doc too.
You would be happy to find yourself back doing the best a mother could do, in the first six months of baby's life. Cheers.
 
 
 
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Pratima
Pratima.14 years ago
Hi.. I started introducing outside food to the baby only after 5 months of exclusive breast feeding. Last 2 and a half months have a period of trial and testing for me as I try to make baby eat . I was happy that she was accepting fruits like banana and citrus foods straight away in semi liquid form. But the amount she is taking in is still now enough to satiate her. I have since then made use of my mixer to make puree of every thing I cook..from Khichdi to fruit pulps. Still now all days are that good when it comes to feeding her.To be continued..
 
 
 
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Suhasini
Suhasini.14 years ago
this is really a very informative article.
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roshini
roshini.14 years ago
very interesting but u could guide more to the parents.
 
 
 
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concerned, but informed mother
for gods sake, please see who recommendations. 'exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months'. then introduce solids gradually, whilst 'continuing breastfeeding for two years and beyond'
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concerned mother (again)
compare the prices of 'one'fruit in a jar'to the price of one piece of fruit! jars have high sugar content, which the infants tend to like, but which encourages a sweet tooth and a liking for high calorie low nutrition junk food! (which is often produced by the same manufacturers as the jars!)
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well read mom
well read mom.14 years ago
your article is not informative enuf at all. it does not tell us what to do or answer simple questions as what food we shud start the baby on !!
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tired third time breast feeding mum
i know that i am not advised to introduce solids until 6 months but would someone like to advise me as to how i'm supposed to get through the next 2 months with no sleep and a hungery fractious baby?
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mumof2
mumof2.14 years ago
as a family physician and mother of 2 toddlers i am disappointed to see such poor advice on feeding babies on this website. breastfeeding should be exclusive for 6 months without the need for water and solids. breastfeeding should contiue for at least 12 months and thereafter if both mother and child desire it. cow or buffalo milk should never be introduced at 8-9 months and to advocate this is just plain dangerous. babies of this age cannot digest this milk and will end up fussy, iron deficient with gastrointestinal problems.
any woman who is experiencing supply problems can increase her milk by pumping after every feed or taking domperidone or fenugreek. rather than cows milk, formula milk can be given for babies under 12 months if supply is that problematic.
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