Recommendation: Do not wean children in the summer

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by resident Doctor Ho Thi Hong Tho - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital. The doctor has 10 years of experience in the field of pediatrics and neonatology.
Hot summer weather makes children sweat a lot and often get thirsty, breast milk is not only a source of nutrition but also helps to replenish water and necessary electrolytes, helping children to quench thirst and increase resistance. in advance of common summer diseases.

1. Why should we not wean children in the summer?

In the summer, the weather is sultry and hot, not only children but adults also have poor appetite, not eating well. Therefore, weaning at this time, children will not be able to eat a variety of foods, poor appetite makes children lack nutrients, long-term can lead to rickets, malnutrition.
In addition, the temperature in the summer is very high, hot, sweating makes children often thirsty. Breast milk is not only a source of nutrition but also a source of water to help children quench thirst and replenish necessary electrolytes.

2. When should not wean the baby

In addition to not weaning children in the summer, mothers need to note the times when they should not wean children such as:
Do not wean children too early, when the child's digestive system is not ready, can not eat on its own. to fully absorb nutrients. Especially children under 6 months old. Do not wean the child when the child is sick, the child has just woken up. Because at this time, children need to be supplemented with many nutrients to regain health. Weaning can make a baby's condition worse. In addition, when sick, the body is weak, the digestive system is also affected, the child may eat less, prone to diarrhea, digestive disorders. Therefore, weaning should be done only when the baby is really healthy. Not weaning the baby suddenly can make the child anorexic

3. When can babies be weaned from breast milk?

The World Health Organization and many nutritionists recommend breastfeeding for at least the first 24 months of life. Many people think that this time is too long, just breastfeeding for 12 months is enough. Even, people think that breast milk after 6 months has no substance, can only help children with thirst. That is a very misconception.
Breast milk is always full of nutrients suitable for each stage of infant development. Even by 12 - 23 months of age, in every 448ml of breast milk, it is estimated that there are nearly 30% of the energy needs, 43% of protein, 36% of calcium, 76% of folate, 75% of vitamins. A needed, 60% of vitamin C needed... Combined with breastfeeding and daily solid foods, children will be provided with all the nutrients they need for physical and brain development.
Breast milk contains live antibodies that no other food can replace. Live antibodies help children have resistance, protect them from harmful agents. Even more antibodies are present in breast milk during the second year than in the first period after birth. Breast milk changes according to the needs of the baby, so the older the baby, the more harmful bacteria are exposed to, the more resistant substances are secreted in breast milk.
Breast milk helps children develop comprehensively and provides nutrients while the baby's digestive system and digestive organs are fully developed, ready to operate independently. The American Academy of Pediatrics has shown that babies weaned before the age of 2 have a higher risk of developing the disease. Breast milk helps babies get sick less often and recover faster. The number of preschool children who are still breastfed are generally healthier than those who have been weaned. In case the child is sick and does not want to eat, breast milk is an extremely valuable source of nutrition.
When the child shows signs of being ready to wean, such as: Eating well, being able to sit up on his own without assistance, being able to speak a short sentence, being able to climb stairs on his own, etc. Start weaning the baby. Pay attention not to wean suddenly, which can cause anorexia, anxiety and fear in children. It is necessary to pay more attention to the child's diet when weaning so that the child does not become deficient in nutrients.
When children are weaned, parents need to pay special attention to their child's diet to ensure adequate nutrition. It is possible to add lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help meet the needs of nutrients, aid digestion, and enhance nutrient absorption. help improve anorexia, help children eat appetite.