subject: Name Signifies Character [print this page] Weaning is the process of gradually introducing an infant to what will be its adult diet and withdrawing the supply of its mother's milk. Weaning is an important part of a babys life. It provides nourishment and vitamins, calcium, proteins for the proper development of the childs body. A mother should feed her baby only breast milk for the first 6 months of its life, and continue breastfeeding until the child is at least one year old and for as long after that as the mother and child both wish to continue. After six months, breast milk alone doesn't provide your baby with enough nutrients, particularly iron. For this reason your baby needs other healthy foods. Waiting until six months to introduce solid foods into your baby's diet will help minimize the risk of her developing adverse reactions to foods and allergies. This is particularly important if you have a family history of allergies such as eczema, asthma or food allergies.
Some families swear by baby-led weaning, whereas others find their babies are happier with spoon-fed pures. There are various food with which you can start your weaning process, like pures of vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, potato, sweet potato, courgette , ash gourd, pures of fruits, such as ripe cooked apple, pear, or mashed banana, gluten-free baby cereals, such as iron-fortified baby rice cereal mixed with baby's usual milk. Try to avoid any sugar, salt in your babys food, they are not considered to be good in weaning process.
Always sit near your baby while he or she is feeding so that your baby does not choke. Never force feed your baby. Make his eating enjoyable. Play small games with him while eating. Make sure that the food is in the right temperature. Do not make it too hot. If your baby refuses to eat a particular type of food, consider backing off and offer it later on. Offer your baby a wide range of foods so that he or she gets used to different flavors. Introduce only one food at a time as it will be easier to detect if your baby is allergic to any particular food. Encourage your baby to feed himself. Try to make it a family affair as it can encourage your baby to eat with enthusiasm.
Try to call your baby with a single name. This will help him to recognize that it is his name and then he will start responding to it. Always choose a unique name for your baby so that he feels special when someone admire his name and appreciate it. Name signifies a persons character, take time and choose it very carefully.
