Weaning your baby may seem like a daunting experience but there’s no need to worry. Meal times should be fun affairs. With a little preparation and patience you’ll find it as rewarding as your baby will. .
When should I start weaning?
You will need to think about weaning your baby off breast or infant milk after around 6 months. There are no hard and fast rules as to when you should start but it is generally agreed at 26 weeks your baby will start to need additional nourishment from that provided by just breast or infant milk alone. Of course it will differ from child to child, but should not be left any later than 8 months or you may hamper your baby’s development of normal eating and chewing behaviour. Solid foods should not normally be introduced to your baby before 17 weeks. If you do need to introduce foods before this time, avoid wheat, gluten, eggs, fish and shellfish, liver, citrus fruits, soft and unpasteurised cheeses.
How will I know?
As with many cases during weaning, let your baby tell you if he’s ready. All babies are different, but there are three clear signs which, together, show your baby is ready for solid foods along side breastmilk or infant formula.
- They can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady.
- They can co-ordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so that they can look at the food, pick it up and put it in their mouth, all by themselves.
- They can swallow food. Babies who are not ready will push their food back out, so they get more round their face than they do in their mouths.
What will I need?
The vital baby NOURISH power suction bowl has been designed with powerful super suction and scooped sides to help prevent tipping and spills! This baby feeding bowl sticks to your baby’s highchair or kitchen table and has been proven to have the strongest suction pad.
Simply place it on a table or baby’s highchair tray and twist for less mealtime mess!
The Vital Baby NOURISH Power Suction Bowl(R124.99)
When it’s time to wean your baby, the Vital Baby® NOURISH™ start weaning spoons are perfect for your baby. Designed for the 1st stage of weaning, the spoons have a narrow soft tip that is designed to fit easily into baby’s mouth. They are shallow to allow for small amounts of food only, to ease them gently into their weaning journey.
Vital Baby® NOURISH™ start weaning spoons 5pk (R69,36)
Vital Baby products are available at: Clicks, Babies R Us, Baby City and online at Babies Africa, Loot and Takealot.
Learn more about Vital Baby on www.vitalbaby.co.za or follow them on social media @vitalbabysa.
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