BabyCues Bio-logical Weaning Guide Free Chapter - Flipbook - Page 16
Now while I agree that your
child needs to be able to hold
their head up well, and it is
certainly best if they can move
food around the mouth with
their tongue, I do find the other
cues listed a little ambiguous.
Why? Because these are really
left to the adult’s perception
of
‘why’
these
things
are
happening. Let’s take a closer
look at these specific cues so
you can see what I mean.
cues
explained
The current physical signs that
parents are taught to ascertain
whether their child is ready to
start solids are as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
seems hungry after milk feeds
can hold their head up well
keeps putting hands to mouth
watches you eat
may reach out for your food
opens mouth when touched
makes chewing movements
can move food to the back of
the mouth with their tongue,
rather than push it out
The child may seem hungry after
milk feeds - I think it can be
really hard for parents to define
whether their child is upset
or grizzling from hunger, gas,
teething,
something
in
the
formula or breastfeeding diet,
bowel motions, and the list
goes on. So I personally don’t
think this is a very well-defined
cue
for
parents.
Especially
because teething symptoms are
generally at their height at this
age, which can cause less sleep,
and grizzly behaviour.
The child keeps putting their
hands to mouth - a baby’s and
infant’s mouth are driven by
reflex impulses, and their mouth
is one of their ways to self sooth
and find comfort. So when
a baby or infant puts their hand
to their mouth it can be for
numerous reasons. They may be
uncomfortable in the digestive
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