Weaning Principles: A Gentle Transition from Breastfeeding to Solid Foods

Weaning Principles: A Gentle Transition from Breastfeeding to Solid Foods

Principles of Weaning.
Answer.

Weaning is the process of gradually introducing an infant human or another mammal to what will be its adult diet while withdrawing the supply of its mother’s milk.

The process takes place only in mammals, as only mammals produce milk. The infant is considered to be fully weaned once it is no longer fed any breast milk.

Weaning Principles: Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Solids

Weaning Principles: A Gentle Transition from Breastfeeding to Solid Foods

Basic principles

The basic principles of baby-led weaning are:

• At the start of the process the baby is allowed to reject food, and it may be offered again at a later date.
• The child is allowed to decide how much it wants to eat. No “fill-ups” are to be offered at the end of the meal with a spoon.
• The meals should not be hurried.
• Sips of water are offered with meals.
• Initially, soft fruits and vegetables are given. Harder foods are lightly cooked to make them soft enough to chew on even with bare gums.

How to Wean Your Baby: A Gentle Approach to Solid Foods

• Food given is free of added salt and sugar.
• Food is not cut into bite-sized pieces until the baby has mastered object permanence and the pincer grasp.
• Initially, food is offered in baton-shaped pieces or in natural shapes that have a ‘handle’ (such as broccoli florets), so that the baby can get a good grip and the food is visible for babies that have not yet mastered object permanence.
• Foods with clear danger, such as peanuts, are not offered.
• Foods can be offered to the baby on a spoon, but the baby is allowed to grab the spoon and the adult helps the baby guide it to the mouth.