Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition

Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition 3(2+1)

Lesson 13:Weaning

Points to be considered in introducing weaning foods

1. Introduce only one food at a time.
2. Allow infant to become familiar with the food before trying another.
3. Give very small amount of any new food at the beginning.
4. Use very thin consistency when starting solid foods. Gradually increase the thickness.
5. If, after several trials, the baby has an acute dislike for a particular food – omit that food for a week or two and then try again. If dislike persists it is better to forget about the food and substitute with another.
6. Food should be slightly seasoned.
7. At first strained fruits, vegetables and cereals are to be given.
8. When the baby is able to chew, gradually substitute finely chopped fruits and vegetables at the age of 8-9 months.
9. Infants may object to taking some foods individually, but will take them willing if mixed with another.
10. Variety in choice of foods is important.
11. Mother or anyone feeding the infant must avoid showing dislike for the food given to the infant.
12. An infant’s appetite varies a lot from meal to meal and day to day, eg. during hot /cold climate and cough/teething.
13. Give freshly prepared food.
14. To make the food calorie dense, add oil/butter/ghee to the infant's diet.
15. Fruit juice should be fed only with cup and not bottle.