Weaning your Baby
Just when you finally get comfortable with breastfeeding, it’s time to wean your little one. Here’s how to ensure the transition from your breast to a sippy-cup is a successful one.
Perfect Timing Matters –
“When to start weaning?” This is a question faced by all mothers. Ideally your baby should be exclusively breastfed for atleast 6 months, after which you can start feeding a combination of solids and breast milk until she’s a year old. The timing depends on whether you choose to wean your baby or your baby chose to wean off. Some children lose interest in nursing once they are introduced to solids by around 4-6 months. They find it fascinating to eat and drink from a cup by the age of one. There are times when as a mother, you may choose to wean your baby due to work constraints. When it is your idea to wean, it may take a lot of time and patience and it depends on your baby’s age and how she adjusts to this change.
Telltale Signs Your Baby Is Ready –
When your baby starts holding his head in an upright position, sits with support, or shows interest in whatever you eat, that’s when he is ready for solids. Some babies start acting indifferent or cranky when they are put to the breast.
Plan Ahead –
Schedule your weaning on a date when you are relatively free and would be around your baby the entire time. Planning gives you time to strategize and deal with any obstacle that may come while weaning.
When To Stop Weaning –
If you’re planning to move or starting a new job or if your little one is unwell or just teething, hold back the weaning for atleast a month till things settle down. Weaning can be stressful in new surroundings and your child may not co-operate with you.
Wean With Care –
Once you decide to wean your baby, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t nurture and care for her in different ways. Spend quality time with your little one to keep her emotionally bonded to you during the weaning process, cuddle together or read a book to her, sing and play together.
Baby Is The Best Judge –
Let your little one lead with the weaning process. Sometimes they do better when they are in full control. Follow the “don’t offer, don’t refuse’ method – when your baby wants your milk, you nurse her, but don’t literally initiate or force her.
Later Weaning –
When you haven’t weaned off your baby till about 9 months to a year, it can get difficult for you as well as your baby. It’s best to wean directly to a cup so that you don’t go through the process again while weaning off the bottle or sippy cup. Wearing complicated clothes which are difficult to remove can help your baby wean. Limit the nursing period and regularly comfort your little one with your undivided attention.
Ease Engorgement –
Sudden quick weaning can cause engorgement. Your milk ducts are unable to adjust and forget to reduce milk production. The milk is still being produced and doesn’t have anywhere to go. If your breasts get engorged, soothe your pain with some ice packs or painkillers. Help yourself with the breast pump and use the excess milk to mix it with your baby’s solid food.
Emotional Rollercoaster –
It’s not only your baby who is adjusting to weaning, even your body has a lot to deal with. Some moms feel rejected while weaning their baby. It’s absolutely natural to feel nostalgic about your baby growing up, but your best bet is to embrace this emotional experience and let her become independent. You could also talk to other mothers who can relate to you.
Maintain Nutrition –
At first, give your baby 1 teaspoon of single-grain, rich in iron baby cereal like rice mixed with 4-5 teaspoons of your breast milk. Once she gets used to the new solid food, you can add pureed vegetables and fruit mashes. The AAP recommends to try one new food at a time and wait till about 2-3 days before starting the next type of food to track any food allergies. Once your baby becomes a year old, she may enjoy small portions of finger foods.
Try the above techniques and wean your child easily without any hassle.
