Week 5, 2025 Newsletter
THIS WEEK’S
Topics
It was so lovely to see you all this week and to welcome a new family. Thank you to our current families for offering such a warm welcome. This is what the group is all about, building a community of likeminded people to walk with you through the joys, challenges and triumphs of parenting.
As always our discussion was ranging but I had promised to mention a little about weaning which we did touch on but which I hope I can build upon here and in future sessions.
Steps to weaning
What is weaning? A gradual transition from being dependent on another for your nourishment to a more independent method of nourishment from multiple sources. This is both a physical and psychological transition.
Signs of readiness;
Current recommendations are to exclusively breast/formula feed until 6 months old
Able to support their head and sit with some assistance.
Diminishing iron reserves from around 6 months and breast milk only has a low level.
Amylase is a crucial digestive enzyme that is found in saliva that breaks down starches. It reaches adult levels in babies around 6-12 months.
Teeth may have appeared.
Watching you eat.
Trying to grab food.
If your baby is showing signs of readiness before 6 months you can offer them expressed milk in a small glass, welcome to the table with you to observe and give them a silicone spoon to start playing with.
Preparing yourself;
This is one of the first “separations” you will have from your baby as you sit opposite them rather than with them.
Fear. What to offer, when and what if they choke? These are all valid concerns and good reasons to prepare before starting the process.
Do a First Aid course especially for having children www.thesicksense.com; https://stjohnnsw.com.au/caring-for-children
Find a resource that works for you that gives you access to suggestions of suitable foods to try first. Some families feel safer starting with purees, others choose baby lead weaning and others use a combination. All are good places to start if it feels right for you. The following are some excellent resources;
https://boobtofood.com/ This is an Australia resource with a great podcast, free resources and two fabulous books.
https://solidstarts.com/?hcUrl=%2Fen-US This was the first of its kind and you can get so much information just by going to their Instagram page.
https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/breastfeeding-bottle-feeding-solids/solids-drinks/introducing-solids This is another Australian resource that provides reliable research backed information for all topics children.
Equipment;
https://stokkeshop.com.au/products/tripp-trapp-chair
These are very expensive at $400 but I have seen them on sale at FB Market Place too. The value to them is their longevity, footrest, adjustable seat, they come right up to the table and are easy to clean.
I hope this has helped and given you some “food for thought”!
🧁Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread or Muffins
https://inkristaskitchen.com/chocolate-espresso-banana-bread/
