In this week 22 update, we give you some hints on knowing when to start weaning, and recommend a bit of super-mum training.
You and your baby
Week 22 News
After about 6 months (not far off now!), it's possible to start weaning, which means adding solid foods to baby's diet. To know if your baby's ready for this momentous stage, look for these signs - showing an interest in your food, good hand-mouth coordination and being able to sit with their head steady.
Going on a baby first aid course is a great idea. It only takes a few hours and you'll learn what to do in a range of emergencies. Knowing how to help a choking baby is especially important with solid foods on the horizon. Ask your health visitor for local courses.
Need to know
Moving your little one into their own room at night for the first time is always a tricky step. Put an item of your clothing in the cot, so that your baby feels reassured by your scent in unfamiliar surroundings.
Tips for you
Tip: Sleepless?
If you're worried that you or your baby aren't getting enough sleep, talk to your health visitor or GP. They can help.
Tip:
No sun?
Make sure you're getting enough vitamin D while breastfeeding. You can get it from eggs and oily fish, and it is also recommended that all breastfeeding mums take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D. Read our handy tips on what to eat when you're breastfeeding.
Remember our Careline team is always on hand to help. You can talk to our expert mums about baby first aid or anything else that's on your mind. Get in touch 24/7 using our live chat, by phone or by email.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The best way to feed a baby is to breastfeed, as breast milk provides the ideal balanced diet and protection against illness for your baby and also many non-nutritional benefits for both baby and mother. We recommend that you speak to your healthcare professional when deciding on your choice of feeding your baby. Professional guidance should also be sought on the preparation for and maintenance of breastfeeding. If you do choose to breastfeed, it's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Infant formula is intended to replace breast milk when mothers choose not to breastfeed or if for some reason they are unable to do so. A decision not to breastfeed, or to introduce partial bottle-feeding, will reduce the supply of breast milk. If for any reason you choose not to breastfeed, do remember that such a decision can be difficult to reverse. Using infant formula also has social and financial implications which must be considered. Infant formula should always be prepared, used and stored as instructed on the label, in order to avoid risks to a baby's health.
