If weaning is not happening, it may be due to a number of factors. The infant may not be ready to start weaning, or they may be experiencing difficulties with the transition to solid foods. In these cases, it is important for parents to be patient and to provide support and encouragement to the infant....
Home LearningWeaning not happening? Here is what you can do!
If weaning is not happening, it may be due to a number of factors. The infant may not be ready to start weaning, or they may be experiencing difficulties with the transition to solid foods. In these cases, it is important for parents to be patient and to provide support and encouragement to the infant.
Here are some steps that parents can take if weaning is not happening:
Check that the infant is ready:
If weaning is not happening, the first step is to check that the infant is ready to start weaning. The best time to start weaning is when the infant is around 6 months old and is showing signs of readiness, such as being able to sit up unassisted and having lost the extrusion reflex (the reflex that causes an infant to push solid food out of their mouth with their tongue). If the infant is not ready to start weaning, it is important to wait until they are ready.
Offer a variety of foods:
To ensure that the infant is getting enough nutrition, it is important to offer a variety of foods. This can include fruits, vegetables, grains, protein-rich foods, and dairy products. Offer a variety of colors and textures, and try to expose the infant to new flavors and cuisines. This can help to develop the infant’s taste buds and can also ensure that they are getting a balanced diet.
Cut foods into appropriate sizes and shapes:
To prevent choking, it is important to cut foods into appropriate sizes and shapes. Foods should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces that the infant can easily pick up and chew. Foods that are particularly hard or difficult to chew, such as raw carrot or apple, should be steamed or cooked until they are soft and easy to chew.
Be patient:
The process of weaning can be slow and frustrating, and it is important for parents to be patient. Infants may refuse to eat certain foods, or may have trouble swallowing, and this is normal. It can take time for infants to adjust to solid foods, and parents should not force them to eat if they are not ready.
Seek advice and support:
If parents have any concerns or questions about the weaning process, they should seek advice and support from their healthcare provider or a lactation consultant. These professionals can provide valuable information and support and can help parents to navigate the challenges of weaning.
Overall, if weaning is not happening, it is important for parents to be patient and to provide support and encouragement to the infant. By offering a variety of foods, cutting foods into appropriate sizes and shapes, being patient, and seeking advice and support, parents can help their infant to adjust to solid foods and to develop a healthy and varied diet.
Be a Better Parent with the Totto Parents App
