更新日：2022年7月19日

 Weaning

Weaning is Essential

• 1. Around five to six months after birth, the nutrition in formula milk and the mother’s breast milk will no longer be enough for the baby.
• 2. Develop their digestive system.
• 3. Let them practice drinking and chewing.
• 4. Let them learn how to eat.
• 5. Develop their senses, including taste, smell and touch.
• 6. Help the baby’s emotional development.

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Before You Begin Weaning

1. Correct their body rhythm

• Don’t let your baby stay awake until late at night. Go to bed early and rise early.
• Establish a schedule for breastfeeding.

Body Rhythm

People have a body clock set to the same rhythm. The secretion of growth hormones and cell reproduction necessary for a baby’s growth happens at night, when they are deep asleep. By establishing this rhythm, weaning becomes easier.

2. Make sure they are hydrated

• Let them drink water and tea

Babies and Hydration

Babies’ kidneys are not yet fully functional, so they wee frequently and become dehydrated. This can lead to them crying at night.
Babies cannot say, “I’m thirsty!” for themselves. Give them water at regular intervals, such as when they are out or once they get back, after a bath, when it’s hot or when they’ve sweated a lot.

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The Steps of Weaning

The months below are only a target. There are differences in individuals for when to start and how it proceeds. Move along at your baby’s pace.

How often to give them food

• For the first month: about once a day
• After that, twice a day
• At about nine months, three times a day

Type of the food for weaning

To start weaning (around 5 to 6 months old)	Smooth purees (in a soup-like state)
Around 7 to 8 months old	Foods that can be broken up with the tongue (e.g. tofu)
Around 9 to 11 months old	Foods that can be broken up with the gums (e.g. banana)
Around 12 to 18 months old	Food that can be chewed with the gums (e.g. meatballs)

The characteristics of the tongue movements and eating during weaning

Around 5 to 6 months old	Learning how to swallow food in the mouth.
Around 7 to 8 months old	Learning how to move food inside the mouth and crush it between their tongue and the roof of their mouth.
Around 9-11 months old	Learning to use their gums to crush food that cannot be crushed with their tongue and the roof of their mouth.
Around 12 to 18 months old	Learning how much to eat in one bite, by putting too much in their mouth and spilling it. They become better at eating with their hands. They learn how to eat with a spoon.

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Weaning Classes

Class contents:  Talk and practice for weaning
Eligible: Guardians of 5 month old babies

 

About Weaning Classes and Weaning Consultations

Enquires from residents in Higashi, Nishi, Minami, Hamakita or Tenryu Wards

Health Promotion Divisions of Local Ward Offices

Enquires from residents in Naka Ward

Naka Ward, Chuo Health and Welfare Center

Enquiries from residents in Kita Ward

Kita Ward, Inasa Health Center

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