How to help children eat delicious weaning

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Dr. Huynh Bao Toan - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital

Weaning is a milestone marking a baby's change from breast milk to other foods. This is welcome, however, both baby and mother need to be prepared in advance to easily adapt to new foods, as well as know how to use other eating utensils such as cups, forks, spoons. Not only to ensure nutrition and energy to meet the growth needs of children, parents also need to pay attention to how to help children eat more delicious weaning.

1. When should baby start solids?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding/breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding/breastfeeding combined with solid foods for at least until 1 year of age. However, the decision about when to wean and start your baby on solid foods is up to you personally.
While some women begin weaning right away to prepare to return to work, other mothers may wait until their baby is a toddler before weaning completely.
Sometimes it is the mother who chooses when to start solids for the baby and sometimes, it is the baby who leads the process.
Every child is different and every child can be weaned in his or her own way. Some babies accept the beginning of solids with ease. They can enjoy trying new foods from a spoon and learning how to use a cup. Other children are very reluctant to stop being breastfed and refuse to drink bottles or any other new form of feeding. In fact, feeding your baby delicious solids can be an easy transition or a very stressful experience.
You may not be in a hurry to decide to start introducing solids when you or your baby are not really ready. Weaning is very dependent on the mother, they can always change their mind and try again another time or try partial weaning. If your baby is having a hard time weaning, consider trying again in a month or two.
Consider delaying weaning if:
You are concerned about allergens. If you or your partner has a food allergy, consider delaying introducing those foods until your child turns 1 year old. Research shows that exposing babies to potential allergens while breastfeeding can reduce a baby's risk of developing allergies. Talk to your child's doctor if necessary. The child's health is not stable. If your baby is sick or teething, delay introducing solids until the child feels better. Mothers can also postpone weaning if they feel unwell themselves. Both mother and baby are more likely to adapt better if they are in good health. There is a big change in life. Avoid starting solids during times of change. For example, if your family recently moved or your child care situation has changed, delay introducing solids until the stress is less.

2. How to help children eat delicious and healthy weaning

Feeding baby delicious weaning is the ultimate goal, contributing to ensuring that children are provided with adequate nutrients for good development. Parents can refer to some delicious ways to feed their babies the following delicious foods:
Children should be given solid foods from less to more and from thin to solid: The change between exclusive breastfeeding habits to solid foods is a big step forward. Children need time to slowly adjust psychologically and physically. Babies' digestive systems are quite immature, so give them solid foods that are easy to digest first. Some children may refuse to eat at first, so parents should keep a calm attitude because this is a fairly common problem and does not seriously affect the health of the child. Limit forcing your baby to eat solid foods with a large amount of food because this can negatively affect the baby's digestive system and absorption. If you want to feed your baby delicious weaning, don't let your baby's psyche be haunted by times of being forced to eat. Diversify foods: At the beginning of solids, babies need to be fed with simple foods from one food group. This helps the baby's digestive system get used to solid foods slowly and detect allergic reactions to foods within a few days. However, it is necessary to change the foods after 2-3 days. For children aged 7-8 months, parents should start combining many foods in one meal. The digestive system of children at this age begins to mature more. In addition, this also stimulates the baby's appetite to make weaning more delicious. Prepare foods in different ways: An interesting fact is that most young children do not feel like green vegetables. Give your baby plenty of opportunities to expose her to her favorite vegetables based on color, shape and taste. Different processing methods are also a way to stimulate children to want to eat more vegetables. Parents can try cooking in many ways such as steaming, sautéing, boiling, frying, or even creating conditions for children to participate in the preparation of dishes.

Decorate food beautifully: To feed your baby delicious weaning, not only need to stimulate the taste but also need to pay attention to the baby's eyesight. Beautifully decorated dishes will attract and make children eat more delicious. Patience: Children will gradually recognize and get used to solid foods. Even if your baby is not interested in solid foods, continue to breastfeed as usual and try solid foods again after a few weeks. To help children increase their appetite when eating, parents should also provide children with foods with lysine ingredients and micro-minerals such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet their nutritional needs. matter. Lysine is an essential amino acid necessary for growth that the body cannot synthesize on its own, helps support the digestive system, enhances absorption,... at the same time, it also supports the immune system. strengthen resistance, reduce the risk of upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, flu,...
Above are some ways for you to help your child eat more delicious weaning. Do not forget to regularly visit the website: Vinmec.com to update useful baby care information.

Reference sources: vinamilk.com.vn, vnexpress.net