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7 adorable ways to get baby to sleep

0-6 months

Time for the first taste?

The first months of your baby’s life may fly by, and as the gaps between feeds lengthen, and he becomes more alert and expends more energy, you may find that he is showing signs of being ready for solid food. Let your baby take the lead.

My four-month-old seems hungry all the time-could she be ready to begin solids?

Currently the most common recommendation for weaning age comes from the World Health Organization (WHO), which suggests waiting until six months of age to introduce solids. We know, however, that babies’ digestive and immune systems can tolerate food a little earlier (from around 17 weeks of age), and so the exact timing is really dependent on your baby; every baby is different. If your baby is demanding feeds more often, shows an interest in the food you are eating (for example reaching out for food on your plate), and is “mouthing” (chewing on her knuckles or putting her fingers in her mouth), it is likely that she’s ready. Speak to your pediatrician if you think this is the case. Suitable early weaning foods include vegetables, fruit, and cereals.

 Why do experts now recommend waiting until six months to wean?

All countries, and health experts, have adopted the guidelines from the WHO, which recommends exclusive breastfeeding until six months. This is particularly important in underdeveloped countries, where breast milk is sterile and the safest feeding option, and is also a good safeguard for children who may have a poor weaning diet. The main reason to wait until six months is that until this time your breast milk will provide your baby with everything he needs to grow and develop; however, after this, breast milk alone provides insufficient essential nutrients, like iron and vitamin D. That’s not to say that breast milk has no nutritional value after this time, but your baby’s growth and development demands more nutrients that need to be provided through weaning foods. Similarly, formula-fed infants also need to be weaned at six months to supplement nutritional intake. If your baby does show signs that he is ready for solid food a little earlier, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor about the possibility of introducing some simple foods, as these will ensure normal oral motor skill development in your baby (i.e., sucking and chewing).

Will early weaning make my baby more prone to allergies?

Another argument that is sometimes put forward against weaning babies earlier than six months is based on the notion that early weaning makes babies more prone to allergies. However, this is not true. Most babies’ digestive systems can tolerate basic food from around 17 weeks, and there is no evidence that delaying weaning beyond this time prevents allergies in either allergic or nonallergic infants.

Does my baby need juice or water alongside her milk feeds?

Breastfed babies do not need water or juice, as your milk is perfectly balanced, both to quench thirst and to keep her well hydrated. If she has a virus and is struggling to keep down her milk, you may need to offer water or oral rehydration solution to ensure that she does not become dehydrated, although the best advice is to continue breastfeeding, both to ensure she gets enough fluids, and to take advantage of the antibodies that your breast milk offers. Bottle-fed babies may need to have a little water alongside their feeds.

Baby juices are not necessary at this age, as your baby will be getting all the nutrients she needs from her milk. If she’s thirsty and not interested in water, you could heavily dilute a little baby juice, but doing this may have frustrating after-effects; if she’s used to the sweetness of juice, she may be less likely to take plain water later on. If she is ill and there is risk of dehydration, however, any fluids, such as heavily diluted juice, water, and oral rehydration solution are appropriate.

My baby keeps reaching out for other people’s food. Should I let him taste?

Once again, from around five months onward, small tastes of food are acceptable. Be aware, however, that your baby won’t have developed the ability to chew, and won’t for some time, so anything offered should be soft and, ideally, puréed. Remember to keep to foods that are suitable for your baby’s age. Steer away from foods that contain flavorings, colorings, and sweeteners, and avoid anything with sugar and salt, as you’ll want to encourage your little one to develop a taste for the natural sweetness of foods such as fruits and vegetables, before a sweet tooth can be established.

 * Mastering a cup

 Most babies drink from a cup at around four months, although you will have to hold it to his mouth and encourage him to sip. He should be able to do this himself at around six months, although some little ones may manage it sooner and others a little later. Don’t worry if your baby shows no interest. He should be getting adequate fluids from his milk feeds (and solids-if he’s begun weaning). It may be easier to offer all drinks, apart from milk in a cup, to prevent him from developing the habit of taking everything from a bottle.

 6-9 months:

What you can expect

Your baby’s first spoonfuls are an exciting milestone for both you and your baby. It’s only natural to approach weaning with some anxiety-there are lots of things to consider as your baby begins his journey on the road to independence, but it’s a process you’ll both enjoy.

How do I know if my baby is ready for solid foods?

Your baby will start to show some interest in what you are eating, and perhaps reach out to taste it himself. He will probably be hungrier than usual, often unsatisfied after his normal milk feed, and possibly waking in the night for an extra feed, when he has previously slept through. He should be “mouthing” too-putting his fingers in his mouth or chewing on his knuckles. It’s worth noting that a growth spurt commonly occurs between three and four months of age, which may cause him to wake more frequently at night, and perhaps feed much more frequently (sometimes appearing to be nonstop!). This growth spurt accounts for his hunger, so don’t assume he’s ready for solids just yet!

Do I still need to breastfeed when I begin weaning?

Your baby will need formula or breast milk until she is at least 12 months, when her diet is varied enough to offer the correct balance of nutrients. Weaning foods offer first tastes rather than proper nutrition and as she gradually eats more, her milk feeds will be replaced by proper meals. Don’t be tempted to give up the milk, though. Breastfeed as usual, or, if you are bottle-feeding, remember that she will need at least about 18-20fl oz (500–600ml) per day. If less than this is consumed, it’s worth discussing with a doctor, as she may need extra vitamins. Give her a milk feed first thing in the morning and at bedtime, and other milk feeds during the day. The timing will depend on the stage of weaning, but you should try to give milk feeds after meals and limit the amount of milk between meals.

Why should I make homemade purées for my baby?

The healthiest baby foods are the ones you make yourself. You can be sure of using the best-quality ingredients with no thickeners or additives, including salt or sugar. The ingredients of most commercial baby foods are heated to a very high temperature and then cooled to sterilize them-a process that destroys some nutrients. By using fresh ingredients, your homemade purées will be that much more nutritious.

Homemade purées taste much better too, and they’re a great way to introduce your baby to the delights of fresh, whole foods, with their intrinsic sweetness and flavors.

Put some time in now, and you’ll reap the benefits later. Giving your baby homemade food will help to make the transition to family food much easier.

* Cheap, healthy food

Would you believe that parents in the US fork out millions of dollars every year on commercially prepared baby food? By making your own, you’ll be saving money (even taking into consideration the time it takes for you to make them), and you’ll be giving your child a great start in life.