I always knew I was going to exclusively breastfeed my baby for 6months because of all the benefits I heard it brings but I never thought about what would happen after the 6 months period regarding his meal.
Thinking about what to eat daily in the house for me and my husband is enough stress then thinking about what the baby would eat and creating and a meal plan felt like a lot of work as a new mum so I just decided stress I just knew when I get to that bridge I would cross it .
I get motivated each time I see videos online showing how much effort mothers put into making meals for their children, Before now I just watch and tell myself I still had time who knew 6month would come so fast🥺🥺.
When he was 4month I was almost persuaded by my mother-in-law to feed him. She wasn't always pleased whenever she visit that he was still dependent on breast milk. She advised we start with “Ogi” or what we know as PAP which is a smooth and sweet dish made from fermented corn grains and for babies they advise that more than one corn grain be used to increase its nutrient. That is using the guinea corn, yellow corn, and white corn, and even millet.
After my research, I knew it was a good choice but I wasn't going to trust the ones made by other people and sold in the market, it is advisable to make it from scratch yourself but I wasn't ready again I told myself there was still time and besides baby is not crying for food he is adding the right weight and he sleeps well-meaning breast milk was enough.
When he was about 5.5 months I knew it was time I introduced food gradually preparing him for his 6month which would be in a few days from today and again I was clueless and besides he checked all the boxes it says to check to show if a baby is ready it solid
He even cries for my food and as my mother would say just rub a bit in the mouth for him to have a taste, I do that and it increases his cravings more. So I knew it was time for real
I went online and I read a lot of articles and blogs, I even decided to join some mummy and me weaning groups to learn and that's when I realized could start with finger foods like fruits.
I was still unsure I didn't want my baby to purge or get constipated, I would get bananas and avocado pear and carrots because I read that these are good food starters and I would end up eating them😂
But I knew I had to start for my baby's good and mine too
so I Finally gave my baby some bananas, oh he loved them, he squeezed and licked so hard till he got tired, I felt so proud of my son so I decided to up my game.
The next day I brought out the feeding chair and mashed some avocado into a plate and I was set to feed my baby, it took us about over 30min to finish half mashed avocado but we did it.
I can officially say my baby has taken his first meal.
Pictures were taken by me and edited using inshot
Now I have to do more, do better, and gradually introduce more meals. The mother's group I joined has a 100 meal challenge for babies but, I would try to be realistic and set a 50 meal challenge for my baby before he turns one.I hope I meet the target.
Today I would be trying carrot puree and hopefully try to make the pap over the weekend for my baby
So mothers what was your baby's first meal? When and how did you start feeding solids and what other finger foods do you suggest I try?
I would appreciate your contributions.
