Weaning can be a difficult time for parents. All babies are ready at a different age to begin eating normal foods, but there are signs that your baby is ready to begin eating. Weaning can be messy and knowing what is best to give your baby can be daunting as a new parent. Here are the most commonly asked questions and their answers around weaning your child.
 What Are the Signs That My Baby Is Ready to Eat?
Many parents believe that when a child puts their hand in their mouth and sucks it that they are still hungry. Babies first learn by putting things in their mouth. This is why any object you give them tends to go in there. If your baby eats his hand after you have given him a bottle or breast, they aren’t showing they are still hungry; they are developing and learning. The signs you should look for are that your baby can sit up without support, your baby is willing to chew, and at mealtimes, your child is trying to grab foods from you or family members.
What Age Should I Wean My Baby?
All children develop at different stages and, therefore, there is no definitive answer as to when your child is ready to eat, but it should not be any earlier than six months of age. Babies should have milk until they are six months old to get all the nutrients they need and reduce the risk of childhood obesity. Your child should have developed the motor skills and teeth needed to begin solids by six months, but this doesn’t mean on the day they turn six months, they want food. If your baby spits it out, they may not be ready yet.
What Foods Should I Give and What Foods Should I Avoid?
Just as we do, our children need a balanced diet to grow and reduce the risk of obesity. To start with, try introducing pureed or mashed fruits and vegetables or baby cereal such as porridge. It is better to feed your baby what you are eating as a family, and it is cheaper and easier too. Once your baby is confident with basic foods, begin mashing up parts of your meals and giving them to your baby. Parent.Guide has a list of the best baby food makers to use at home. Avoid large chunks to reduce the risk of choking and if there is a family history of allergies, it may be best to speak to your doctor before introducing this food to your baby. Do not add any sugar or salt to foods either. If you wish to add it to your meals, do it after you have taken a portion out of your baby.
There are many other questions that can be asked when weaning your baby, and as a first-time mom, it can be worrying knowing whether you are doing it right. Speak to other moms or your doctor or health visitor, and don’t forget, there are plenty of tips and tricks online.
