Step By Step Guide to Weaning

It is good to breastfeed toddlers for at least 6 months as this will reduce their chances of developing allergies in the later part of their life.

Baby's food should be easy to digest.  It is recommended iron-fortified rice cereal as the first solid food as rice is one of the least allergenic foods. 

Baby's iron store will run out at around six months and it is therefore crucial to provide him with an adequate amount of iron to prevent iron deficiency.  Once the baby shows no adverse reaction to the rice cereal, you may proceed to feeding him other single ingredient foods such as pureed fruit, vegetables or other grains, then follow with other protein-rich foods such as meat and chicken.  Feeding of single ingredients is crucial to ensure that the baby is not allergic to newly introduced food.

Purees are a good way to start as their smooth and runny texture will give the baby a comfortable first-food experience.  You can also add breast milk or formula to the puree to modify the consistency if needed, especially for babies who have just started on their first solid food adventure.

Remember not to cook too much and do not push the baby to finish all the food.  One or two spoonfuls may be all your baby will be able to take at the begining.  Try to use bowl and spoon to feed the baby rather than putting the mashed up food in a feeding bottle.  This is because the baby needs to learn to move solid food from the front of the tongue to the back to swallow it.

Parents should try to choose a time of the day or week wen they are more relaxed to start the weaning process.  There is no point in hurrying it.  It is a trial and error process.  Also, parents should try not to stick to deadlines.  It is best done naturally when it comes to weaning process.  If the baby needs more time, then adjust accordingly.

From one year onwards, the baby requires at least 600 to 800ml of milk a day.  It would be best to introduce a variety of fruit and vegetables, along with different sources of carbohydrates such as rice, pasta and noodles.  The idea is to get the baby eating as healthy and varied a diet as possible.