Weaning the baby can be a stressful time for every parent. When trying to introduce your baby to different foods, you will get some resistance. Since babies are not used to eating solid foods, the new food texture might seem weird.
However, learning how to wean your baby the right way can help you to solve the challenges that you find on your way. You need to remember that every baby is different. Techniques that work for other babies might not necessarily work for you. It is essential to learn the habits of your child and adjust accordingly. Here are some tips to keep in mind when weaning your baby:
Start Slowly
Weaning is a great way to transition from breastfeeding to eating solid food slowly. However, the mistake that many mothers make is to stop breastfeeding abruptly. This rarely works because the baby is not ready for that drastic change.
It might be even stressful for you to do it at once. Even once you start weaning, make sure that your baby is still nursing. You can reduce the nursing period but do not stop nursing cold turkey.
Experiment with Different Foods
The weaning period allows you to learn a lot from your baby. This is the time when your baby shows the first signs of independence and the ability to make a choice.
It is advisable to try and respect your baby’s choice at this point. If you notice that they do not like a certain food, supplement it with another option. With time you will learn what your baby likes.
Watch Out for Food Allergies
During the weaning period, your baby might present some food allergies. You need to remember that the weaning period is time to understand your baby, so pay attention.
After every meal, check out how they react. In case you notice any unusual symptoms, you can take your baby to the doctor for a check-up. Food allergies can be very detrimental, and you need to make sure that they are addressed as fast as possible.
Cope with the Emotional Issues
Weaning your baby can be an emotional process. Most mothers say that they feel as if they are losing the bond with the child. You need to remember that breastfeeding is a very intimate process.
If you have been breastfeeding your baby for hours and a day, and now you have to reduce the time, it can affect you emotionally.