Paediatrician explains how ‘babies 6–7 months old can start eating independently’ with this simple method

Feeding time with infants generally is a actual wrestle for fogeys, from infinite purées to messy force-feeding. However what in case your toddler might study to feed themselves as early as 6–7 months? Dr Pawan Mandaviya, guide paediatrician and new child specialist, shares in his September 15 Instagram publish how a easy method known as baby-led weaning could make it potential. (Additionally learn: Paediatrician warns of rising ‘diabetes and coronary heart illness’ in youngsters; blames poor life-style and Western weight loss program ) Dr Pawan advocates baby-led weaning for self-feeding in infants as early as 6 months. (Freepik) What’s baby-led weaning and the way does it workDr Pawan explains in his publish, “Simply think about, this little child is just six to seven months outdated, but he’s feeding himself, ingesting milk on his personal, and that too with none assist. That is potential by baby-led weaning.” He provides, “In India, when a child turns six months, we normally put together vegetable purée or khichdi and feed it to the kid. Moms typically attempt each recipe they discover on YouTube, however nonetheless complain that mealtime is a wrestle. Many instances, mother and father maintain the child’s arms and legs to forcefully feed them. This creates a damaging affiliation with meals. The issue arises when all of the management lies with the mom. Even when the Indian child is consuming, the mom retains wiping the kid’s mouth repeatedly, which irritates the kid.” How can mother and father encourage self-feeding safely”In Western tradition, as quickly because the child turns 6–7 months, they’re positioned in a excessive chair with garments eliminated (to keep away from mess), and baby-led weaning is practised. As soon as your child is round 7 months and might sit up, you may place them in a excessive chair and even in your lap. Provide smooth finger meals resembling boiled banana, chikoo, small items of idli, moong dal cheela, or tiny oat pancake bites,” says Dr Pawan. Speaking about the way it works, he advises, “The secret’s to not put any stress on the kid. Simply guarantee security whereas the child is studying to eat. And the very best tip? Sit and eat together with your child. When your child sees you consuming, they are going to naturally attempt to eat too.” “So as a substitute of the normal manner of force-feeding, let your youngster study self-feeding. This fashion, they will take pleasure in meals, study at their very own tempo, and you will even be stress-free about ending meals,” he concludes. Be aware to readers: This report relies on user-generated content material from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and doesn’t endorse them. This text is for informational functions solely and never an alternative choice to skilled medical recommendation.