Babies receive important nutrients from breast milk in the first six months of their lives. While breastfeeding beyond this point will continue protecting their health, solid foods should be introduced into their diet at this stage.1
Here are some tips for weaning your baby.
- Start introducing solids between milk feeds.2
- In small amounts, introduce cow’s milk, eggs, gluten foods, foods containing nuts or seeds, fish and shellfish, one at a time.1
- Allow your baby to enjoy feeding themselves, either using their fingers or a shallow spoon.1
- Don’t get discouraged if your baby does not accept a new food the first time. Simply continue trying.1
- Never force your baby to eat.2
Juggling career and children, many working mothers understandably opt for packaged baby foods while weaning their babies. However, a recent study has revealed some disturbing findings — multiple packaged baby foods were found to contain “concerning levels“ of heavy metals.3
With this in mind, why not DIY? It’s easy. The gist is to cook your food until soft, place it in a blender together with some liquid, and BLEND!4 Here’s a simple recipe to start you off.
White bean and leek puree4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 leek, chopped
- 1 cup canned white beans
Steps
- Bring beans (undrained) to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes. Drain.
- Heat oil. Add leek. Cook until soft.
- Put beans and leek in blender. Blend.
Weaning could be messy, but watching your little one develop is certainly satisfying. So, relax and enjoy the process!
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Sources
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/solid-foods-weaning/. Viewed on 07 Oct 2018.
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/baby-care-weaning. Viewed on 07 Oct 2018.
- https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/heavy-metals-in-baby-food/. Viewed on 07 Oct 2018.
- https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-make-your-own-baby-food. Viewed on 07 Oct 2018.
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