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Baby Weaning–Signs, Foods & Introduction to Solids
Weaning is an important stage in the growth cycle of a child as it is the first step in introducing the baby to foods other than the mother’s milk. It is a slow process that requires a lot of patience and understanding. Read on to learn more about weaning and when the right time is to introduce your child to solid foods.
What Does Weaning a Baby Mean?
A weaning baby is a child that is getting accustomed to the process of having foods other than mother’s milk. It is important that you know what foods to give your baby as they grow.
Weaning usually starts when the first solid food is introduced to the diet of the baby. This process is also called “complementary feeding”. The baby weaning age is around six months. Until then, the baby gets all the nutrients and energy from the mother’s breast milk, which protects the baby by strengthening his immune system and protecting him from illness and infection.
Weaning is a big step in the development of a child and is a special moment in their growth. If you need to know when to wean your baby, it is advisable that you let them take the lead in terms of accepting solid or other liquid foods before encouraging them. Read on for a thorough weaning baby guide:
Signs Which Indicate Readiness to Start Weaning Baby
Remember that the baby should be given only breast milk or formula till he is six months old. The process of weaning the baby off breastfeeding should be gradual. It is important that you watch out for the signs which indicate that the baby is ready to start weaning. These include the following:
rolling over
holding head upright
sitting up independently with back support
development of hand-eye coordination
persisting hunger even after feeding
thumb sucking at night
These actions require more energy, thereby increasing the baby’s appetite.
A sudden increase in appetite can also be due to a growth spurt. In such cases, do not start the process of weaning. Most likely, the appetite of the baby will return to normal very quickly.
Babies who are not ready will push the food out of their mouth and will not be able to swallow. It is a good idea to visit the paediatrician before starting a weaning diet for babies and ensure that you take the following precautions.
Precautions When Weaning Your Child from Breastfeeding
Weaning the baby off formula or breast milk can be a tricky process. Every child is different, and needs to be treated differently when it comes to weaning. Some babies may wean earlier than the others, while the process of weaning might be abrupt in others. Weaning a baby off breast milk can lead to engorgement and discomfort for the mother. This can be reduced by feeding breast milk to the baby in a mug until your child has reduced breast milk consumption. In addition, ensure that:
The food given is of smooth texture and does not contain any chunks. Chunks can cause choking in a baby who has not learnt to chew his food before swallowing
Instead of giving the baby a bottle to suck on, try using a spoon or a free flow beaker This will also help prevent tooth decay
The food is cooled to room temperature
In addition to these precaution, understand what food is healthy and what food can be dangerous. Read on for information on what the right and wrong foods for a 6-month-old baby are.
Proper Baby Weaning Foods
Nutritious food for a six-month baby includes fruits that contain natural sugars, mashable vegetable purees and fresh juices. Food made at home is recommended over canned options. In case you are buying packaged food make sure you avoid ones which have too many preservatives, added sugars, and sweetening syrups. Baked savouries are best avoided too!
Maintain a baby weaning food chart and slowly introduce different tastes and textures to your baby so that you can keep track of the baby’s likes and dislikes, the nutritional value of the food and the transition from liquid to solid food. This also helps ensure that apart from the primary caregiver, the others in the household understand the food habits of the child.
Before acquainting your baby to solid food, you need to get acquainted with the baby‘s weaning habits and the steps which will make the transition smooth for both of you.
Essential Baby Led Weaning Steps
Baby-led weaning is all about introducing table food to the baby instead of purees fed with a spoon. While you can mash, cut or chop the food, the rest of the work is to be done by the baby. This puts the baby in complete control of what he eats. This however, does not mean that you walk away from the baby after giving the food. You still need to stay close by and monitor the baby and its reflexes and attend to the baby’s cues.
Most kids will only eat as much as they need. This helps the baby understand his body’s cues and determine how much nourishment his body needs.
It should be kept in mind that the baby-led weaning method is not advisable for developmentally delayed babies, as this will result in nutritional deficiencies. Some points to be kept in mind while following baby led weaning are:
Do not rush the process. Let the baby take its own time
The baby needs to be able to sit upright by itself before baby led weaning starts, else it could choke on some food particles
Babies should never be left alone while eating
Stick to home cooked food and avoid sugars and salts
Take a step back and let the child experiment with the food
It will be a messy process, so brace yourself for some cleaning
Try giving foods that are easy to pick up and hold
Allowing the baby to lead does not mean you let the child choose the food. It is important that the child follows a healthy and balanced diet. Make sure you pick nutritious meals.
A Balanced Baby Weaning Diet
The diet of a child is very different from ours. Ideally, an adult requires more fibre than fat to digest complex foods faster while a baby requires more fat than fibre. Too much fibre in the diet will prevent the absorption of nutrients from other foods that are required at this stage. Make a weaning baby schedule according to the age and avoid adding any sugar or sugar syrup to their diet. Also, avoid salts as their kidneys are not capable of absorbing excess salts.
Baby food from 6 to 9 months
Here is a list of weaning foods to give your baby as they grow.
Stage 1 - When the baby is six months old:
Start with mashed or pureed vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, potato, sweet potato, sponge gourd or ash gourd)
Fruit purees like ripe and cooked apple, pear or mashed banana.
Gluten free baby cereals
Stage 2 - When the baby learns how to use a spoon:
Purees of lean meat, poultry, lentils, split peas, mixed vegetables and green vegetables like cabbage and spinach
Slowly incorporate full cream milk, yoghurt, cream cheese, cottage cheese or custard
Do not include cow’s, goat’s or sheep’s milk as the baby’s primary food until he is a year old
Stage 3: Between 7 to 9 months (2 to 3 servings of starchy food, 1 serving of protein)
Mashed or minced lumpy food
Starchy foods like khichdi, semolina upma, semolina porridge, sago porridge, durum wheat, breakfast cereals or oats can be given
Cornmeal, potatoes, rice and millets
Boiled and cooled water
Diluted fresh fruit juices in cups during meals
Citrus fruits, fish, lean meat, poultry, lentils
Nut butter (check family history for allergies)
Finger foods like cooked green beans, carrots, cheese cubes, banana slices or soft pear
Foods to Avoid during Weaning
There are multiple foods that you should avoid feeding your baby during the weaning period. Here is a list of the foods to avoid.
Salt: The baby’s kidneys cannot process the salt yet
Honey: No honey till the baby is one as it can cause infant botulism in babies
Sugar: Sweeten the food with mashed banana or stewed dry fruits puree. No artificial sweeteners as it encourages your child to develop a sweet tooth
Whole Nuts: They are a choking hazard and difficult to process
Certain Fish: To avoid mercury poisoning
Tea/Coffee: Do not tempt the child with even the slightest drop of the beverages. Caffeine and tannin are unsuitable for babies and prevent absorption of vital nutrients in their body
Low-fat food: Any low-fat dairy or food products are unfit for the baby as they need calories
Risky Foods: Foods like mouldy cheese, liver pâté or soft boiled or raw eggs that can contain bacteria and are not killed in the cooking process
Healthy Baby Weaning Recipes
In case you decide to cook at home for your baby, here are some easy recipes:
Sweet potato and butternut squash mash
Peel and dice one sweet potato and one small butternut squash. Boil or steam it until tender. Mash together with a little of your baby’s usual milk till the desired consistency is achieved.
Apple and raspberry puree
Place raspberries (100g) and one large eating apple (peeled and cored) over low heat for 5 - 8 minutes until soft. Puree and sieve out raspberry seeds. Serve lukewarm.
Avocado and banana mash
Mash together one small ripe avocado and one ripe banana and serve immediately.
Tender green peas puree
Simmer green peas (75g) until just tender. Puree with a little cold, boiled water or your baby’s usual milk and stir in some cooked baby rice (1 tbsp.).
Carrot and pumpkin mash
Steam or simmer two carrots (peeled and diced) and a small portion of pumpkin (peeled and diced) until tender and mash them together. You could thicken this up with some baby rice.
Fresh fruity yoghurt
Take any ripe seasonal fruit and peel or chop as required. Boil the fruit in water (1 tbsp.) in a small saucepan. Simmer until fruit is softened and puree. After cooling, stir into natural yoghurt (4 tbsp.).
Carrot and beetroot puree
Steam one carrot (peeled and diced) and one beetroot (peeled and diced) until tender. Puree in blender and adjust texture with boiled, cooled water or your baby’s usual milk.
Potato and spinach puree
Boil one medium potato in unsalted water until tender. Steam spinach (20g) over the potato in a sieve for the last few minutes of cooking. Drain and mash the potato with a little of your baby’s usual milk. Puree the spinach and add to the potato. Adjust the texture with boiled water or breast milk.
Getting the Baby Started with First Solid Food
As mentioned earlier, the weaning period is an important stage in the development of a child. One must also note that every baby is different and should be provided for according to his development. It is also advisable to take the baby to the paediatrician for regular checkups and opinions. It is a good idea to make a chart or table to track your baby’s development. This will help you pinpoint the problem if something out of the ordinary, such as an allergic reaction occurs.
Every baby goes through various developmental stages so do not worry too much about it. Your baby should sail through the weaning period with ease. While it is important to care for the baby, it is equally important for the caretaker of the baby to be healthy. Only a healthy individual can be attentive enough to bring up a healthy baby in a healthy environment. Focus on your diet as much as you do on your baby’s and you are both sure to be rewarded with good health.
Also Read:
First Foods for Baby
1 Year Old Baby Food Chart Read more
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29 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect?
You have successfully stepped into the 29th week of your pregnancy. It’s the third trimester and you must be anxious and equally excited as you are one step closer to the birth of your little bundle of joy. This would be a good time to think of your baby's nursery and how you will decorate it
Don’t get overwhelmed by the advice that you get from almost everyone around you. Relax and keep track of what’s in store during this stage.
Your Baby's Growth During Pregnancy- Week 29
Your baby is growing and those tiny kicks and nudges you have been longing for are finally here. Your baby weighs more now, as the size of the head grows steadily with the development of her brain. The baby's lungs and muscles start to mature and and the development of the skeleton begins. The bones become harder and stronger and the baby requires more calcium.
What Is the Baby’s Size?
When you are 29 weeks pregnant the baby’s size is usually 15.2 inches long, and she weighs around 2.5 pounds (1.1Kg), that’s roughly the size of an acorn squash. The baby’s length might increase a little during the next 11 weeks, but the weight might double or triple during this period.
Common Bodily Changes
At 29 weeks, your belly is considerably noticeable, and you might be unable to bend over completely. One of the significant bodily changes during pregnancy is weight gain. You should have ideally gained around 8 Kg to 11 Kg, but the figure varies from person to person. You might want to consider the following:
Your breasts get bigger and heavier, so it is advisible to wear a supportive bra (a sports bra or a nursing bra should do fine).
There are many options for maternity underwear, ensure you choose the one that makes you feel the most comfortable.
Symptoms Of Pregnancy At Week 29
These are the few symptoms that you will experience at 29 weeks:
You will continue to experience heartburn.
You may have difficulty in breathing as the growing baby exerts pressure on your lungs.
Constipation and hemorrhoids (swelling in the rectal area) may be caused by the increased baby-weight.
Lightheadedness or memory lapses and concentration problems may be experienced due to the increase in production of hormones.
You also might experience back and leg pain.
Itching in the belly area due to the stretched skin.
Discomfort while sleeping due to the large baby-bump.
Frequent urination.
Your Belly at 29 Weeks of Pregnancy
At this stage, your belly is considerably big and still growing. The baby now makes discernible movements, and you can place your hand on your stomach and feel your little one move.
Ideally, the baby is pretty active at this stage and feels cramped inside the uterus. Keeping a count of kicks is essential. The baby should kick about ten times in 2 hours. If you notice reduced foetal activity, do not panic. Give a gentle massage on the belly or drink some ice water and lie down on your side. If you feel no activity, call your doctor or visit the hospital emergency room.
The Ultrasound at 29 Weeks
This week, the ultrasound will show you how quickly your baby is growing. Those kicks and jabs are getting more frequent and stronger as the baby has little space to move inside. Occasionally, you might feel sporadic twitch-like movements inside you. This is your baby having hiccups.
Your baby might look a little chubby on the ultrasound this time, now that she is getting some white fat under the skin which is different from the brown fat she already had, and her wrinkled skin is smoothening out. Fat is essential for regulating the baby’s body temperature (brown fat) and is also a source of energy for their activities (white fat).
The baby is in her developmental stage now, and significant changes in the baby's overall growth take place. Her brain, vital organs and teeth start developing. It is essential to eat healthy food and follow a nutritious diet. Your baby’s genitals start evolving and could be more prominent on an ultrasound now.
Kick count is an important activity now. You need to keep a track of the kicks or even movements of the baby every day. Since the foetal kicks are stronger, both you and your partner can experience these little movements and bond with your baby.
What To Eat?
Eating right is the secret to a healthy pregnancy. It is imperative to know what you can and what you cannot eat. Your baby is growing at a rapid pace, and so you should also cater to her growth requirements. The food in the 29th week of pregnancy should include iron, calcium, and vitamin C.
As your baby’s bones continue to harden, your calcium intake should be around 200 mg per day. Try to include lots of iron-rich food in your diet so your baby can take the required iron for making red blood cells. Green leafy vegetables, lean meat, and fortified cereal are good sources of iron.
You might have some cravings for sweets, cakes, chocolates and other fast foods but it is advised not to indulge in them on a regular basis, though occasional treats are allowed.
Food rich in vitamin C is also very good for the baby as it makes the connective tissue that is needed by the blood vessels. Grains, mangoes, sweet potatoes and carrots are some foods that are rich in vitamin C.
Eating a regular, balanced meal along with some mild physical activity is a good regime to follow during your pregnancy.
Tips & Care
Here are a few simple ways you can manage those pregnancy pains.
Dos
Take plenty of rest when you can, and enjoy this magical period.
Limit standing or sitting for a prolonged period of time as it reduces the blood flow through your body.
Sleep on your left side as it helps in blood circulation.
Use a good moisturiser for dry and itchy skin.
Eat plenty of energy-rich healthy food.
Drink lots of water and watch out for UTI(Urinary Tract Infections) symptoms.
Prop up your legs when you can.
Follow simple exercises.
Don'ts
Do not suppress hunger, it is important to eat when you are hungry.
Avoid crossing your legs as it might cut off blood circulation to your legs and cause swelling or varicose veins.
Avoid lifting heavy objects or undertaking physical stress.
Do not wear tight-fitting clothes to avoid discomfort.
Avoid over-eating as it might cause excess weight gain.
Do not sleep flat on your back as it may limit blood flow to the baby.
What You Need to Shop
What better than shopping to beat those pregnancy blues!
Here are some fun things you can shop for:
Comfortable and pretty clothing, sleepwear as well as underwear.
Essential items for decorating the nurser(the baby's room).
Diaper, baby clothes, towels for your maternity bag.
Maternity clothing.
The baby will be due in a few short weeks now and, you can use this information to keep yourself healthy and prepare a comfortable abode for the baby, once born.
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5 Key Social Skills You Must Sharpen
Social skills are must-haves to take you places, help you meet the right people, and get you the attention you deserve. They help you make deeper inroads in your relationships and career. Are you naturally blessed with these essential traits or do you need to sharpen them?
Smooth communication methods and good social skills make your life active, fun-filled, free from depression, and yes, very successful. With socialising and interacting being some of the most fundamental needs of human beings, modern day women are going an extra mile to adopt the skills for the same. Check out the most important social skills that promise to make your life more meaningful and enjoyable.
5 Ways of Developing Social Skills
1. The Ability to Stay Calm in Social Situations
In spite of having all the key social skills in place, if you're stressed or anxious, your brain stops functioning and you tend to become agitated. You end up saying the wrong things. It's essential to be calm and composed when meeting people or relating to them in any way. Also, any signs of nervousness, irritability or stress on your face will make others cautious, thereby making them behave differently around you.
2. Connect Well with Proper Means of Communication
The best way to enhance your social skills is by working upon the way you communicate with others. Good listening skills are a must, and leave your mark as an attractive and well-groomed person. Talking in turns, showing interest with ‘listening' noises such as 'oh yes’ or 'Uh-huh', asking for feedback about the things said by others, and so forth, are some of the many ways in which you can retain a person’s interest in conversing with you.
3. Be Empathetic with Other’s Interests and Issues
More often than not, self consciousness leads to social anxiety. This can be removed by allowing your focus to rest upon the problems and interests of others in conversation with you. Along with getting your audience more interested in you as a person, your activities, and other interests and your empathetic nature will send out the right signals and earn you many new friends.
4. How Important is it to Talk About Yourself
Talking a lot about yourself and very early in the conversation, may transform you into an instant turn-off. It’s best to stick to general and polite conversation in the beginning, move on to specific topics of mutual interest, and then get personal—only if the situation permits. For instance, talking about your darkest fears or deep desires are topics best avoided, unless you happen to be with a bestie.
5. Make Eye Contact and Smile
While talking, you need to gain the trust and attention of others by making constant eye contact, and yes smiling. It's a fact that the right social skills coupled with a direct and honest smile go a long way in breaking the ice between two people. It helps in nurturing a strong bond—one that promises to last for a long time.
Good social skills give you the confidence of interacting with others freely. So, gear up to develop all the right traits that promise to make you more acceptable and popular as a person and in all social setups. Begin today! Read more
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Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
7 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
11 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
7 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
9 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
51 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
7 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
1 hour ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
23 mins ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
22 mins ago
A. yes
whenever you give any new food to the child you have to take care of two things.
you should give in small quantity. if the child doesn't develop any digestion problem in next 24 hours to 48 hours and the child is able to digest that food then that food can be given again.
but if the child is not able to digestc or there is some problem with vomiting or loose motion or colic pain then kindly avoid that food.
we wait for 2 to 3 days to confirm whether the child is having any problem to that particular food or not
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