Weaning: when to start and why
Weaning is a particularly delicate moment in a child’s life, it involves not only the purely nutritional aspect, but also various problems related to the discovery of taste, colors up to the mother-child bond.
In the last 30 years the weaning methods suggested by paediatricians have changed periodically , unfortunately creating confusion around the subject, which I believe is delicate and should be tackled by trying to suggest useful and clear points of reference to families.
The consequence of all this is that mothers and fathers who have lost faith in the bodies responsible for giving indications on the matter, rely on sources that are unsafe and without scientific foundation .
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months
The WHO (World Health Organization), the largest health monitoring body in the world, recommends EXCLUSIVE breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life , where “exclusive” means “not giving the baby other foods or liquids, including water” .
This is the first indication that should not be misinterpreted by starting weaning on solid foods ahead of time, unless there are particular situations that require it.
Furthermore, the WHO still suggests that “between 4 and 6 months, complementary foods can be given only if the child is hungry and does not grow” .
This second indication presupposes the fact that there is a pediatrician check who, through modern growth curves, can determine if there is a failure in the child’s development. In addition, parents will be able to report the attitudes that the child shows during breastfeeding and at the sight of food.
The advantages of breastfeeding exclusively up to six months are many:
- Breast milk contains perfect nutrients
- It is easily digestible
- Protects from infections
- It’s at no cost
- Promotes the development of the child and the relationship with the mother
- Protects the mother’s health
- Maternal antibodies pass into the milk and protect the baby
Finally, some studies suggest that breastfeeding can help a child in his intellectual development .
Infants with low birth weight who were fed breast milk in the first few weeks of life performed better on intelligence tests in later years than infants who were bottle-fed.
Not too early, not too late
The administration of solid foods early also involves a greater work for the kidneys that are not yet prepared for this load.
For this reason, from 6 months onwards, breast milk will no longer be sufficient to guarantee the correct supply of nutrients, therefore it will be highly recommended to start introducing other foods that can compensate for the deficiencies.
At this age most children are ready from every point of view (psychological, motor, digestive) to a type of nourishment other than mother’s milk and it will be easier to accept and appreciate the spoon and manage the swallowing of thick foods.
Everything will be managed with serenity, without impositions or anxieties, in fact weaning remains an important moment also for the acquisition of behaviors and attitudes towards olfactory and gustatory experiences.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.