| wean is a question facing all breastfeeding mums. | | | | choices... |
| How does a new mum know when to introduce | | | | From six months babies can digest protein so red |
| solid food into her baby's diet and what sort of | | | | meat, fish ,eggs, cheese, chicken and pulses can |
| food can a baby eat? | | | | all be introduced. |
| At present the World Health Organisation | | | | Do not give peanuts to babies under one year old: |
| recommends that all babies be breastfed | | | | if there is a history of allergies in your family |
| exclusively for six months. A long time, you may | | | | avoid giving them for at least three years. As well |
| think, especially in the middle of a colic episode or | | | | a being an allergy hazard they can also be a |
| growth spurt! However, there are real concerns | | | | choking hazard. |
| for the welfare of babies that have led to this | | | | Honey should also be avoided for the first year as |
| advice. | | | | babies can contract botulism from it. |
| In the past many babies were fed solid foods at | | | | Eggs must be thoroughly cooked but can be |
| very young ages. It is now believed that their | | | | introduced from six months. |
| bodies were unable to cope with the demands | | | | Buy gluten-free baby food at the beginning of |
| this placed on them; a dramatic increase in the | | | | weaning, if possible, as gluten can cause coeliac |
| incidence of allergies and food intolerances meant | | | | disease. Usually a six month old baby can digest |
| guidelines were reviewed and altered. | | | | gluten without any problems but younger babies |
| The main danger that comes with introducing solid | | | | are more at risk. |
| food too early is that babies may receive too | | | | Some babies react to citrus fruits such as |
| much salt in their diets, leading to potential kidney | | | | oranges but alternative fruit juices can be given |
| problems in later life. | | | | instead, such as apple juice. |
| So, if you follow the advice of the World Health | | | | Never add salt to food which your baby will eat. |
| Organisation, you will see that it makes sense to | | | | If he is ready to eat the same meals as the rest |
| put off giving food other than breastmilk for the | | | | of the family do not add gravy until you have |
| first six months. | | | | removed the baby's portion, as gravy can contain |
| So how do you encourage a six month old baby | | | | a lot of salt. |
| to eat solids? The main thing to remember is that | | | | It is best to introduce savoury foods prior to |
| you should introduce solids gradually. | | | | sweet foods as babies very quickly develop a |
| When your baby is ready for solid food he will | | | | sweet tooth! They tend to enjoy pureed carrots, |
| begin to demand feeds more often, and may | | | | broccoli, sweet potatoes, turnip and parsnip and |
| never seem satisfied for very long. He will start | | | | any combination of these foods. Babies also love |
| to take an interest in your meals and may even | | | | stewed apples and pears or mashed bananas and |
| try to help himself! He will begin lip-smacking and | | | | strawberries! |
| chewing as he mimics you. A real sign that solids | | | | However, many babies dislike potatoes at the |
| are imminent is the development of teeth. | | | | beginning of weaning. When the baby is a little |
| Speak to a health-visitor if you think your baby is | | | | more experienced with tastes and textures you |
| very hungry. If your baby is under six months | | | | can start adding some potato to his meals. |
| you may find that he is just going through a | | | | Let the baby decide when he has had enough of |
| prolonged growth spurt. If this is the case, his | | | | any particular meal. Never force-feed the baby. |
| hunger will normally settle down after a few days | | | | He only needs a little bit of solid food each day. |
| when your milk supply has increased. | | | | For some babies a few spoonfuls will be enough; |
| When your baby reaches the six month target, | | | | for others a main course and dessert are |
| and you are sure that he is ready for solid food, | | | | required! |
| try a teaspoonful of watery baby rice or baby | | | | If he refuses to eat one type of food avoid it for |
| porridge. Try to keep foods very bland and runny | | | | a while and try something else. Return to the |
| at the beginning. | | | | disliked food after a few days and try again. |
| Once he is used to solid foods, and is no younger | | | | Some babies can be very fussy, whereas others |
| than six months, you can quickly move onto adult | | | | eat whatever is placed in front of them! |
| cereals like Weetabix and Readybrek. | | | | Take it slowly and it will not be such a big change |
| It is wise to only introduce one food at a time so | | | | for either you or your baby. Weaning should be a |
| that you can identify any intolerances or allergies. | | | | fun experience for you both. After a very short |
| Sometimes these can take several days to take | | | | time your baby will look forward to his solid feeds |
| effect, so stick to one food for a few days | | | | and will even start to let you know that he wants |
| before moving onto another. | | | | more! |
| Some babies are happy to have one solid feed a | | | | Sinead Hoben is the proud mum of three beautiful |
| day at the beginning of weaning, whereas others | | | | children aged 6 years, 3 years and 9 months old, |
| require more frequent feeds. It is a good idea to | | | | all of whom were breastfed. She is currently still |
| offer the breast before and after each feed to | | | | breastfeeding her youngest child. A qualified |
| maintain a good milk supply. | | | | teacher, she now runs her own website, which |
| Cows milk and dairy products, eggs, fish | | | | addresses many of the concerns of breastfeeding |
| particularly shellfish), nuts (especially peanuts), | | | | mums. offers free breastfeeding information and |
| some fruits and foods containing gluten can all | | | | advice to both breastfeeding and expectant |
| cause allergic reactions. So be careful with your | | | | mums. |