Written By: Debjani Arora | Published : October 16, 2017 1:34 PM IST
This is a big question that most mothers have once their babies turn six months of age and is ready to start weaning. The concerns are understandable as the person in question is that tiny human being whose digestive system is not as developed as ours. Every mother needs to choose foods cautiously so that it doesn t harm the baby in any way. The thumb rule is whatever you choose, mash or blend them into a fine consistency which would be easier for the baby to swallow and taste. Whether you choose fruits or vegetables or even cereals never offer chunks of it initially as it could lead to a choking hazard. As your baby makes the transition from breast milk (liquids) to semi-solid foods during weaning, expecting the little one to swallow food is a little too much, so mash or blend the foods. Here are 10 tips to wean your baby off breast milk.
To give or not to give raw fruits
If you want to start weaning with fruits, know that it is a great way to do so. But just keep in mind that all raw fruits might not be easy on your little one s digestive system. When I started weaning, my paediatrician advised me to start it with steamed and mashed apple. There were two reasons for this: first, it is a perennial fruit so you don t have to worry how to cater to your baby s tastes as seasons change and second, steamed and mashed apples are supposed to be the most palatable weaning food for babies, and at least in my case apples stood to this promise. I almost had a fuss-free start to weaning. Of course, tantrums over foods followed much later. Here are 12 superfoods that boost immunity in children.
However, I never gave my child raw apples until eleven months of age. The reason being, raw fruits are not easily digestible by babies. My paediatrician explained that raw fruits can be harder to break down into small pieces with their jaws and of course the fear of chocking was always there. Moreover, raw fruits have a substance called cellulose which our body treats as a waste and it is hard to digest. While the adult digestive system can withstand its effects and absorb the nutrients of the fruit in a child this could lead to diarrhoea due to digestive issues. On the other hand cooked or steamed apple breakdown the cellulose and makes it easy to digest and a filling food for the little one. Here are four apple recipes that your toddler would love.
However, some babies can also digest and eat raw fruits from six months of age. So, to know if raw fruits are fine for your baby, try giving grated fruits mashed with your fingers to your baby. If she shows signs of indigestion then stop.
Remember not all fruits need to be boiled, steamed or cooked, only the hard ones that might be tough to digest needs to be steamed. If you are wondering which fruits need steaming here is a list:
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