The information in this article is correct at date of publication: 2009
Opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of the publisher or editiorial staff.
Information on the purpose of weaning, the stages of weaning and practical tips for parents.
What is weaning?
Weaning is the process of gradually introducing solid foods into an infant’s diet. It can often be a time of anxiety among parents and therefore they naturally look to their healthcare professional for advice and support.
The objectives of weaning
The main objectives of introducing solid foods to an infant’s diet are;
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To help meet an infants increased nutritional needs at this stage of development
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To promote the development of neuromuscular functions, helping them to learn how to eat
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To increase an infants acceptance of a wider range of different foods and tastes, helping to establish long term healthy eating habits
Infants double their birth weight by 6 months and therefore at around this time breastmilk or formula can no longer supply all of the nutrients required for optimum growth and development in a manageable volume1. Solid foods must therefore be introduced to their diet to fill this nutritional deficit.
Nutrients at risk of being deficient in the diet if weaning has not occurred by 6 months1:
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Energy
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Vitamin A and D
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Iron and zinc
However, the process of weaning is not simply about ensuring nutritional adequacy of the diet. It is also important in helping infants to learn how to eat. This learning process needs to be encouraged through the gradual exposure to different textured foods and finger foods throughout the first year of life1.
Similarly the weaning process is also important to help increase the acceptance of a wider number of foods and flavours. Infants are born with a liking for sweet tastes but an acceptance of other flavours e.g. sour, bitter, has to be learnt2.
Infants are more likely to accept foods that are familiar and therefore offering a wide variety of foods during weaning is important in shaping taste preferences. Parents should be encouraged to offer foods a number of times, even if rejected, as studies have shown that it can take up to 15 exposures before some foods are accepted2.
Stages of weaning
It is important to reassure parents that weaning is a gradual process and should not be rushed. It will take time for an infant to adjust to the feeling of a spoon in their mouths and a texture and taste other than milk. Therefore, during the early stages of weaning food intake will be small with the main nutritional requirements being met by breast or formula feeds. Figure 2 provides a guide to the stages of weaning, including infant development, appropriate food textures and examples of appropriate foods1,3.
Figure 2:
Click here to view more information on Cow & Gate Weaning of products.Click here for Infant and Toddler Forum website where you will find useful factsheets relating to Weaning
Past Nurture & Nutrition article –
‘Psychological factors on weaning decisions’
For parents - for practical advice and information and advice weaning and suitable products, visit the Cow & Gate website using this link:
Cow & Gate parents website – information and advice about weaning
Cow & Gate
‘Weaning Guide’ for mums
FSA ‘Feeding your baby in the first year’
References:
1. Department of Health. Report on Health and Social Subjects 45 Weaning and the Weaning Diet. London: HMSO, 1994.
2. Birch L. Development of food acceptance patterns in the first years of life. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 1998; 57: 617-624.
3. Fleisher Michaelsen K, Weaver L, Branca F,& Robertson A. Feeding and Nutrition of Infants and Young Children. Denmark: WHO, 2000.
Weaning ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ for parents
Here are some useful practice points for you to pass onto parents:
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Don’t rush. Weaning is a gradual process so don’t worry if your baby isn’t always interested in trying new foods.
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Do introduce foods when your baby is happy and alert – mid morning is usually a good time.
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Don’t worry if your baby rejects a new food at first – try again on another day as it can take up to 15 attempts before they will accept some flavours.
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Do look for the cues that your baby will give you to show that they are full, such as closing their mouth and turning their head away.
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Don’t place too much importance on the amount of food that your baby eats as long as they are growing well. Food intake will usually vary from day to day and from one meal to the next.
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