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When to start weaning your
baby
The professionals advise you to wait until your
baby is 4 months, as they feel your baby's digestive system is not ready for
solids until then.
I personally would say anytime between 14 weeks and 6
months. whenever you feel your baby is ready.
You will know when your
baby wants food, when:
1. your baby is drinking a full 9oz bottle of milk and
still wants more and more.
2. your baby starts waking up in the night for one
or more feeds.
3. your baby may start eyeing up your food and trying to grab
it.
First foods for
baby
Baby rice is a
great first food. You can mix it with your baby milk and breast milk. It comes
in a packet with directions on the back. Easy for anyone. Do check the back of
the packet to see that there is no salt or sugar added. Baby rice is very easily
digested and it is full of vitamins for your baby.
Try a spoonful and see
what your baby thinks. If your baby is not interested leave it and try something
else. I have listed some great first recipes on this site. Click
here to see
Try an apple puree
as some babies prefer the sweetness, if you would prefer to stick to savourys
then try a carrot puree. only give your baby approx 1-2 teaspoons to start off
with, gradually increasing.
Try a different baby food on different days
so that if your baby is allergic to any foods you will know which one it is.
Later on you can add various foods together for different tastes and
textures.
Do not cut down on your baby's milk straight away as your baby
still needs this. If you think your baby is thirsty you could try some cool
boiled water or freshly squeezed citrus fruits(never boil citrus juice as they
lose their vitamin content)
If you buy commercial baby drinks, read the
labels to check for sugars and artificial additives
Feeding your baby for the
first time.
Make sure you
are sitting comfortably with your baby in a baby chair or in your arms, whatever
you like. Put a bib on your baby and then give her some milk, maybe 1/2 of the
bottle. Burp your baby and then you can start. Scoop some food on a spoon,
enough to coat the tip and put between your baby's lips, so she can suck the
food off. Do not push the spoon in too far as your baby may gag. Talk to your
baby as you are trying. If your baby is not interested with the spoon you can
always try putting the baby food on the tip of your finger and letting your baby
suck it off. When your baby has had about a teaspoon of food, then you can wipe
her/his face and continue with the bottle. That is it you have now introduced solids to your baby
Quick Baby Feeding
Tips
- Make sure you have
plenty of bibs for you and your baby. It's very messy but fun.
- You can buy
baby spoons that change colour if the food is too hot.
- Do not try weaning
your baby if she is very hungry, try giving some milk first. Otherwise you will
both end up frustrated and upset.
- Start with one feed a day, usually
dinnertime, and gradually add more feeds.
- Make sure you and your baby are
sitting comfortably.
- If your baby food is too stodgy, then just add some
baby milk/breast milk or water and stir.
- Remember if your baby is sick it
will be the same colour as the baby food, so i recommend old clothes or plenty
of terry nappies that protects you when burping your baby.
- An egg cup is a
great first feeding bowl.
9. Do not add salt to any baby foods,
it can damage your baby's kidneys!!!
If you would like to send your recipes
in, please email
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