One of the greatest joys of parenthood is experiencing the different developmental stages of your baby’s growth. From learning to express emotions to trying to grip objects with their tiny hands are all rewarding milestones for parents. Another important development in your baby’s growth chart is the introduction of solid foods. Parents often ask developmental pediatricians when they should wean their baby off breast milk and start solid foods.
So, let’s discuss this important milestone in detail so that you can make a more profound decision regarding newborn care and the best baby food.
Time and again doctors have reiterated the importance of breast milk for your baby. Research shows that breast milk is one of the best ways to ensure your child’s health. Breast milk has nutritional benefits and anti-inflammatory properties that protect breastfed babies from many illnesses and infections. Not only is breastfeeding healthy for the child but also healthy for breastfeeding mothers. Further, breastfeeding has certain psychological benefits and creates a sense of bonding between the mother and her baby.
The benefits of breastfeeding cannot be denied. However, weaning your baby off breast milk at the right age and introducing solid infant food is an important developmental milestone for your baby.
The process of weaning your baby off breast milk is a gradual process. Pediatricians recommend breastfeeding your baby up to 6 months. After 6 months continue to breastfeed your baby while introducing solid infant food simultaneously.
It is important to note that after a year, breast milk alone cannot provide the required nutrition for kids. However, it is a motherly instinct that usually determines the right time to wean your baby off breast milk. Many mothers practice extended breastfeeding which extends beyond a year. This is perfectly normal. In fact, the World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for the first 2 years of newborn care.
Generally, solid feeds are introduced after 6 months. However, your baby might show signs of being ready for solid food much earlier.
Developmental activities like sitting up with minimal support or good head control are the first signs that your baby may be ready for the taste of the best baby food. Also, if your baby is trying to reach out for food on your plate, it’s a good sign that your baby wants some too.
Another evident indication is if your baby continues to show signs of hunger even after breastfeeding.
In India, recommended options for the baby’s first solid food are highly influenced by customs, traditions, and family advice. Do not disregard the recommendations of elders in your family; after all, you have grown up in good health. However, ensure your baby has a good iron intake because iron reserves diminish after 6 months.
Oatmeal mixed with breast milk is a good infant food to start with. Once your baby is comfortable with solid foods, you can move on to pureed vegetables.
Gradually you can introduce your baby to a variety of tastes with pureed fruits and other cereals.
Visit a developmental paediatrician for the best recommendations for your baby.
To ensure your baby receives the best nutrition, visit the best developmental paediatrician in Bangalore at Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre in Whitefield Bangalore. Our childcare specialists offer pediatric tips to help mothers with newborn care and nutrition for kids.
At Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre, we are committed to providing the best health care for pregnant women and newborn babies. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern facilities make us one of the leading women’s and pediatric hospitals in Bangalore.
With a team of top developmental paediatricians in Bangalore, we provide robust pediatric care for newborns to teens.
Visit Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre in Bangalore for all your health care requirements.
