3 Common Weaning Challenges & How to Win at Them
Your little one can’t subsist on milk and liquids forever; there comes a time when you’ll have to wean them onto solids. There’s no set period for this, however, and no right or wrong way; choose a time that’s right for you, and a method that you feel is best.
Bear in mind, however, that while you may come to terms with this decision, your little one may not be as ready for it. Here are four common weaning challenges you may face, and how to overcome them – remember that every child is different, and discovering what works best for your little one is part of your wonderful motherhood journey.
To get you started, here are some unique food ideas to try, inspired by some of the world’s top chefs. (Recipes are only suitable for ages 7 months and above.)
Sorry, Not Interested.
Why is this happening?
Some children just aren’t interested in weaning at all. The key reason for this is their comfort levels; like many adults, children too aren’t comfortable with drastic changes, which is why they’re resisting the weaning process. Sometimes a child may be unwell and therefore unwilling to step beyond their comfort zone until they feel better; other times it could be they are picking up distress signals from you – your could be transferring your work stresses to your child without knowing it!
So what do I do?
- Relax, be patient and keep trying.
- Make sure both you and your little one are in a good frame of mind when you attempt this; a comfortable environment makes it easier for your child to accept something new.
- If your child is still hesitant, try again in a few days – don’t rush the process!
- Include your child at mealtimes; letting them sit in their high chair with the family can boost their confidence as they observe the family eating in ways that are new to your little one.
New food? NO THANKS.
Why is this happening?
We’re all a little resistant to change, so don’t be surprised if your little one simply refuses to take in anything solid. It’s a new experience after all, and it’s natural for some children to flat out reject anything that’s different from the usual. They might be surprised by the sudden change and be afraid of trying something new; or they may just be asserting their independence – an important development milestone – by choosing not to eat something they dislike.
So what do I do?
- Try, try and try again. Perseverance is key; it might take eight to ten tries for your little one to accept something new!
- Mix it up by feeding them something they’re used to, then introducing a solid while they’re already in the mood to eat.
- Experiment with different textures and tastes; there will definitely be something your little one loves!
A Whole Lot of Spitting.
Why is this happening?
If your little one is spitting out solid food when you’re trying to wean them onto it, it could be more than just an unwillingness to try something new. It could be they’ve become too comfortable with what they’re currently eating, or may just be too full from being fed throughout the day. If your child is spitting out solids, it could also mean that they are not physically developed to be able to eat solid food.
So what do I do?
- Play the waiting game; sometimes it just isn’t the right time yet to wean them onto solids.
- Check that you’re not over-feeding your child; they could just be too full to want to try any new foods.
In any case, observing and adapting to your little one is important. It also helps to introduce lots of different tastes and textures to them, like through the many different flavours of Nestle CERELAC variants, so they can develop their palates more thoroughly. Here’s to you winning at weaning!
