gradually changed from an entirely liquid one, breast milk or artificial formula to normal solid diet.

The period of weaning begins at four to six months and lasts for two to three years when porridge, cereals, milk, fruits and vegetables can be gradually introduced.

Weaning is an essential part of infant feeding which should be implemented gradually.

The two major reasons for weaning even if there is sufficient breast milk are: 1. Breast milk alone is inadequate for the baby after four to six months fo age.

2. If weaning is not started by age six months, it is more difficult to introduce solid foods at a later stage.

Weaning should be delayed when the infant is ill as considerable difficulty will occur.

The infant who is being weaned has certain biological characteristics which make him vulnerable as regard to health and nutrition. These must be taken into account when considering feeding: (i) The child is at a phase of rapid growth and development and his nutritional needs are comparatively higher than older children and adults. A meal pattern of two to three meals a day is unsuitable therefore he/she needs to be fed more frequently.

(ii) Teeth have started erupting and the infant has to learn to chew.

(iii) He/she has to acquire digestive and absorptive tolerance to the full diet.

(iv) He/she has to develop a taste for new foods, therefore special attention needs to be given to the preparation of meals.

(v) He/she has lost transplacentally acquired material antibodies and is in the process of acquiring his/her own active immunity.

Psychologically, he/she is in a transitional phase in both feeding and nutritional status. He/she is losing the close comfortable contact with his/her mother but he/she is not yet independent and self-foraging as the older child.

The process of weaning is done gradually by replacing breast feeding with liquids, milk, semi-solid food administered with a spoon from a cup or a plate. The baby is allowed to be suckled (breast fed) or bottle fed after feeds and at night.

The success of weaning entails two basic factors: (1) choice of foods to be given (2) preparation of these foods Ideally these foods should be: energy dense ie: high in calories/energy, cereals, fruits, food from animals, fats and oils.

easy to digest, thick porridges, multi meals from the family pot in a semi solid to mashed, chopped.

puree and clean -- foods should be freshly prepared using proper hygiene practices.

inexpensive and easy to prepare last but not least these foods should be of the correct proportion of nutrients. In order to ensure optimal growth and development of infants and optimal use of nutrients, foods should contain a balanced mix of nutrients.

Commercially-prepared baby foods tend to be higher in protein without sufficient carbohydrates to meet energy needs.

These guidelines will ensure the healthy growth of your baby.

BEULAH ARMSTRONG Community Health Nurse