The healthy growth of a baby requires nutrients of all kinds. Around one
year after their birth, breastfed babies will undergo the process of weaning. During
weaning, be it mothers or babies, they should adjust themselves to the change
physically and mentally as gradually as possible. In addition, in a congenial
season, babies tend to be in a good condition, which is conducive to painless
weaning.
Autumn, with its moderate weather, presents itself favourable to weaning
babies. When weaning babies, we should reduce the time they spend feeding and
decrease milk supply gradually— firstly, prolong the intervals between daytime
feedings, introduce them to small, frequent meals of different solid foods and
cut them down on breast milk; secondly, stop night feeding, increase their
physical activity during the day, put them to bed on a full tummy and avoid
waking them up in the middle of night to feed them on purpose. Abrupt or
threatened weaning should be avoided lest it should have a mentally adverse
effect on babies.
As babies are too young to chew and digest as effortlessly as adults, it’s
recommended that foods and drinks for babies during weaning should be fine,
soft, mushy, minced, thus being easily digestible. The types of food should be
diversified to ensure nutrient intake sufficiency. We should have babies eat
small, frequent meals and avoid feeding them on food and flavorings containing
strong stimulants. When weaning, we still need to guarantee an appropriate
daily intake of dairy products which are the main source of protein and provide
essential nutrients for babies’ growth and development.
During the period of weaning babies and feeding them on solid foods, it
takes time for their digestive system to adapt. New eating habits place a
certain burden on babies’ gastrointestinal system which is not yet
full-fledged, causing problems such as diarrhea or constipation as a common
response to shifting diet patterns. Mothers can have their babies take Ofmom
probiotic products with water or milk at a temperature below 40℃ degrees, which
is effective in maintaining the balance of intestinal flora in babies,
improving intestinal functions, stimulating digestion and absorption of
nutrients, relieving problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion,
thereby tempering
babies’ sensitive stomach and ensuring a smooth transition. Ofmom probiotic
preparations also contain vitamins, calcium, zinc and other trace elements,
more conducive to babies’ growth and development.
Since the gut microbiome of babies is not yet fully established with an
immature immune system, greater importance should be attached to protection
against stomach discomfort due to external environment. The following rules
should be followed when it comes to weaning babies: food must be prepared in
hygienic conditions and tableware must be disinfected; if starting by replacing
breast milk with formula, choose an easily digestible one which meets the
nutritional needs and is intended for babies at a certain age range; supplement
with solid foods regularly and be mindful of taking a few days for their
stomach to adjust to new ingredients before introducing new ones; be more
attentive, be aware of abnormal bowel movements and weight loss and be swift to
react to abnormality.
For babies, weaning is an important period which should not be precipitated
into an end by parents. Otherwise, it may have unfavorable consequences for
babies’ physical and mental health. Parents’ gradual guidance, patience and
company are a recipe for babies’ successful transition.
Source: dzwww.com