When is the right time to wean? What if i want to wean my baby earlier?

The ideal time is to begin when baby begins her sixth month (24 weeks). Why? Let me explain:

Weaning is the process in which we introduce semi- solids (solid food mixed with milk or water) and solids (solid food on its own) to our baby. The aim is to get baby to finally eat the same food as the rest of the family.

Weaning, correctly and sufficiently done, can result in baby accepting a wide range of tastes (in turn does not become a fussy eater) as well as suss out foods that baby may be allergic to. Therefore, it is important before any form of solid introduction that we allow baby's gut and stomach to be developed fully and able to digest harsh foods before testing and introducing new tastes.

We may wish to wean our babies earlier, but please do observe the following signs to read if your baby is indeed ready for the weaning process:

1. Baby must be able to sit upright with support and her neck should not wobble
2. Baby starts to wake earlier, looking for milk than her usual wakey time
3. Baby appears more easily irritable, and starts to chew hands or toys excessively before next feed is due
4. Baby accepts a spoon with liquid or baby rice and does not spit the spoon nor the liquid or rice, but continue to suck the spoon
5. Baby weight starts to level off (taper or slow down)
6. Baby's first teeth has developed
7. Baby shows interest in our food, and her eyes track your spoon or fork as it move it in front of her, she will drool too
8. Baby apppears still hungry, even though milk feed has been increased for the last 3 days (usually 240ml is max)