Weaning An Infant

Breast feeding is very essential for a new born child. During the first six months, it is strictly recommended to give just the mother’s milk to the newborn, as this can prevent the child from various harmful infections.

If a mother deprives a child of her milk, then she is depriving the child of the good health. Breast feeding plays a very vital role in the overall development and well-being of the child.

Like breastfeeding, weaning a child from this food at the right time and by following a right way is very important. A child is given just the breast milk for six months and then gradually this food is complemented with other substitutes after the six months.

Weaning a child off the mother’s feeding is not a very simple task, as a child gets used to this food and he feels secure while feeding from his mother. However, it is very important to choose the right time for stopping the breast feeding. If this is not done, it can have harmful effects on the child as well as on the mother. The doctors recommend stopping breastfeeding anytime after one year.

Some mothers abruptly stop breastfeeding a child. However, this is difficult for the mother as well as for the child. This type of weaning is usually followed because of some illness or infection. It is better to take the advice of the doctor before adopting it.

The best method to wean a child is through a gradual effect. It can be done by substituting one feed with other form of nourishment and gradually this can be increased and finally during a course of time breastfeeding should be stopped.

Sometimes there are cases when the child himself is not willing to take the feed, so in this case the weaning takes place from the child’s part. Some mothers prefer partial weaning in which the mother plans one or two feeding sessions and then reduces these sessions as the baby grows.

The weaning should be complemented with the nutritious diet like fruits, cereals etc. to ensure that the baby gets the essential nutrients.