First time mothers may wonder what weaning is, when the right time to do so is, and or how it will affect their child.
Weaning or complementary feeding is giving an infant solid foods alongside breast milk or formula. The end of this process, experts say, is when the mother stops breastfeeding as the child completes the transition to solid foods.
Nutritionists and other experts say that for any breastfeeding mother, it’s always important to be knowledgeable on the entire process of weaning, and how to make the process a more positive one for themselves and their child.
However, they note that six months is often recommended because babies at this age need extra nutrients such as iron and zinc.
Experts advise to start weaning with single vegetables and fruits – try blended, mashed, or soft. Photos/Courtesy
Dr Iba Mayale, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, says it’s important to understand that weaning starts when a child is between four and six months of age.
However, he is quick to point out that mothers shouldn’t replace or substitute these newly introduced foods with milk only, rather, it should be an addition.
"Once your baby is around four to six months old and regularly eats solid food, you can offer a wider variety in order to slowly build up to three meals daily. Make sure to offer different textures and watch for signs that your baby is full. You can start by giving the baby meat, poultry and fish, but ensure that such food is soft and easy to eat, and remove any bones,” he says.
Dr Mayale says babies should also be given full fat dairy products such as plain yoghurt and cheese.
Private Kamanzi, a nutritionist working at Amazon Clinic in Remera, says when at seven to nine months of age, many babies can manage three small meals each day.
"One should try including a source of protein, carbs and fat at each meal,” he says.
Kamanzi says around nine to 11 months, many babies can manage family meals cut into small bites. They should also be given harder finger foods, such as zucchini, apples, carrots, crackers and whole bread.
At the age of one year, most babies can eat what the rest of the family eats and join in family meals. At this stage, many infants can consume three small meals plus snacks.
Eugene Nizeyimana, a nurse at Polyfarm Clinic, says parents of caregivers should avoid giving honey to their infants under the age of 12 months, as this could lead to food poisoning.
Also, undercooked eggs might contain bacteria that can make the infant sick.
Nutritionists also warn that sugary, salty or highly processed foods or drinks shouldn’t be given to infants. These foods, they say, usually gave little to no nutrients, and worse, could carry harmful health risks.