Weaning describes the process of introducing solid foods into an infant’s diet. From birth up until the age of 6 months breast milk and/or an appropriate infant formula provides adequate nutrition to support growth. From 6 months onwards, these are inadequate as a sole source of nutrition. Although infant formulas are fortified with important nutrients, breast milk does not provide adequate levels of vitamin D or iron. For this reason the latest age solids should be introduced into an infant’s diet is 6 months.

Weaning should be a staged process spread over a few months. By the time a child is 12 months, and provided they have no underlying problems, they should be eating the usual family diet. In order to achieve this, parents need to ensure that they provide a variety of tastes and textures to their babies as well as encourage self-feeding.

As solids are introduced breastfeeding and/or formula feeds must continue. Initially the solids are not going to be contributing significantly to a baby’s nutrient intake. As the volume and frequency of solid food intake increases, the volume of milk needs to progressively reduce. Once a child is 12 months old there should be no need to continue with breastfeeding and/or an infant formula, provided they are eating a varied diet as well as growing appropriately.

Apart from contributing to nutritional intake, weaning and the process of learning how to chew, bite, move food around the mouth and swallow foods helps a child to develop key oro-motor skills that are needed for speech development.

Signs my Baby is ready to be Weaned
•    Can sit unsupported and has good head control
•    Is no longer satisfied after a breast or bottle feed
•    Has started waking for feeds over night when they previously used to sleep through
•    Picks objects up and puts them into their mouth
•     Shows a keen interest in foods when other family members eat
•    Tries to take foods off other family members’ plates

My advice is to watch your baby and to learn their cues if you are deciding when to start weaning them. The timing is important, but also what you feed and the texture of what you feed your baby are important. The right advice and support during this phase of your baby’s development are key to fostering healthy eating habits for your child in the long term.

Article Credit:
Kerryn Gibson, Dietitian Durban (Kerryn is a registered dietitian in private practice in Durban and Ballito working as a paediatric dietitian and a sports dietitian).

Photo Credit: Nic Ferreira