Baby learns new skills every other day. From rolling over, to sitting up straight, and holding things in tiny hands, they are brimmed with energy. With each day comes a new skill, soon will come the time to introduce baby food for their healthy development. It is something which comes at its own pace most likely after the baby is 6+ months. However, knowing the signs when your baby is reading for weaning is helpful. And, if you are confused, here are some cues that your precious baby is ready to start weaning.
How to do Weaning?
Before beginning to wean your baby, it is important to get your hands on the weaning essentials by Vega Baby & Mom. Whether you are trying parent-led weaning or baby-led weaning, these weaning essentials can help your baby enjoy baby food comfortably and get the required nourishment. Here are some important baby weaning accessories to get you started:
- Vega Baby & Mom Silicone Fruit and Food Nibbler: It allows babies to nibble on fresh fruits at their own pace and liking and become independent eaters. It is easy to hold and also comes with Smart Snap Lock Mechanism which helps to close the nibbler with just a little pressure.
- Vega Baby & Mom Heat Sensory Weaning Spoon: It is a unique weaning spoon that comes with a heat indicator. The tip of the spoon changes color to white when the food is 40 °C or above.
- Vega Baby & Mom Silicone Weaning Bottle: It is an ergonomically designed weaning bottle with weaning spoon, perfect for feeding mashed rice, dal, puree, and other liquid feed with ease. It has a leak-proof design and vacuum base to reduce leaks while enabling one-hand operation.
- Vega Baby & Mom Sippy Cups: It is to make hydration fun and easy for your little bundle of joy. Vega Baby & Mom Sippy Cups are of two types – The Spout Sippy Cup is suitable for 6+ Months Babies and the Straw Sippy Cup is suitable for 9+ Months Babies to make mealtimes more fun and engaging both for you & your baby. The sippy cups have comfortable grip to promote independent drinking in babies with comfort and convenience.
How to know if baby is ready for solid food:
- Neck and Head Control
One of the first signs that baby is ready for solid foods is that they can sit up straight without any support. Babies sitting independently while holding head upright and moving their neck on either side indicate they are ready for solid baby food along with breastfeeding. This is of utmost importance to ensure that the baby can safely swallow.
- Bringing Objects to Mouth
When the time of weaning comes, your baby may show signs of reaching objects, including food, and bringing them to their mouth. This is part of their healthy development, and it shows they have good hand-eye coordination. If your baby can hold objects and bring them to their mouth, it’s another cue that they might be ready for weaning.
- Showing Interest in Food
Have you noticed your little one eyeing you as you eat? Sometimes they open their mouth when they see food or even try to grab food off your plate. While this is a natural curiosity, it’s also a sign that transitioning baby to solid food can be done. However, it’s important to wait until they show other signs of readiness before you start weaning.
- Able to Swallow
It is important for babies to swallow food and not rather spit it back. If your baby pushes food out while feeding, never force them to eat. It may lead your baby to choke.
Don’t Start Weaning if Your Baby is:
There are some cues that are often mistaken as signs of weaning. Read below to find out these normal baby behaviors that are not necessarily readiness of weaning.
- Baby demanding extra milk feeds.
- Baby has reached a certain weight which does not mean it’s time for weaning.
- The first tooth of your baby emerges.
- Baby puts fist in the mouth.
Key Takeaways
If you are wondering when to start weaning baby, it is significant to understand that every baby is different hence the timing of weaning also varies. It is essential to follow your baby’s cues and introduce baby food when they seem ready. Allow them time and follow at their pace. Choose the time which suits both you and your baby for weaning. Begin with purees and then gradually introduce different textures and flavors of baby food as your baby gets comfortable.
FAQs:
What is weaning?
Weaning is a process where the baby is introduced to other forms of food along with breastmilk. It is a gradual process and you and your baby may certainly not master the art of weaning overnight, however, you will know when the time is right for you and your baby to start weaning.
At what age should I start weaning my baby?
Weaning usually starts at its own pace after 6+ Months. There is no definite time, and it may also depend upon the nursing mom’s choice, her job, her schedule, and the health of the baby.
