Points to be Considered in Introducing Weaning Foods

Nutrition for Special Groups 3(3+0)

Lesson 19: Weaning- Types of Foods to Be Given to Infants

Points to be Considered in Introducing Weaning Foods

  • Introduce only one food at a time.
  • Allow infant to become familiar with the food before trying to give another.
  • Give very small amount of any new food at the beginning.
  • Use very thin consistency when starting solid foods. Gradually thicker consistency.
  • If, after several trials, the baby has an acute dislike for a particular food – omit that food for a week or 2 weeks and try again. If dislike persists it is better to forget about the food and substitute with another.
  • Food should be only slightly seasoned.
  • At first strained fruits, vegetables and cereals are given.
  • When the baby is able to chew, gradually substitute finely chopped fruits and vegetables at the age of 8-9 months.
  • Infants may object to taking some foods individually, but will take them willing if mixed with another.
  • Variety in choice of foods is important.
  • Mother or anyone feeding the infant must avoid showing dislike for the infant.
  • An infant’s appetite varies a lot from meal to meal and day to day. eg. during hot climate/cold and cough/teething.
  • Give freshly prepared food.
  • To make the food calorie dense, add oil/butter/ghee to the infant’s diet.
  • Fruit juice should be fed only with cup and not bottle.
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Last modified: Saturday, 5 May 2012, 11:33 AM