Breastfeeding your child is a lovely experience. It is also an important time for you and your baby to bond. However, as they grow older, their appetite increases, requiring you to introduce solid foods as they grow less interested in nursing. The gradual transition from breastfeeding to eating solid food is the weaning process. A weaned child gets the opportunity to develop a taste for new foods. Moreover, a weaned child will learn to coordinate lips, jaws, and tongue. Below are more reasons why you should wean your child at the right time;
Becoming Self-Dependent
Weaning is a learning process for your baby. Other than developing tastes for different foods, they can experiment by trying to eat by themselves. It promotes the hand to mouth coordination. Although it can be messy, it is worth it. In the end, your weaned child will be self-depended since he/she will learn to eat on their own. Furthermore, it helps your child to develop self-reliance skills at a tender age. Always encourage your baby to feed himself.
No more Making Special Food
Through the weaning process, your child will learn the tastes of different foods other than milk. Remember, your child will only learn the taste of the food offered to them. Moreover, you can introduce him to the baby versions of your meals gradually in his diet. Besides, preparing special meals for your baby can be tiring and time-consuming as you will still have to cook for the rest of the family. Therefore, if you do not want always to cook different meals, opt for a meal that suits your baby’s delicate appetite.
Balanced Died
Introducing new foods means that your child now has access to the essential nutrients required for growth and development. Along with break milk, your child is able to eat a balanced diet. However, ensure that you introduce one food at a time. It will help you know your child’s taste and preference and if allergic to any diet. With the different foods in his diet, a weaned child has his own chare of proteins, iron, minerals, among other nutrients.
Conclusion
A weaned child easily learns essential motor skills and developmental skills during the weaning process from learning coordination of lips, tongue, jaw movement, and chewing. Thus, the benefits of weaning are before nutritional needs for your baby. Your weaned child is likely to develop healthy eating habits, develop motor and social skills, and build food likings. Moreover, with a weaned child, the mom has some break from being the source of food.
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