Weaning is the stage where solids are introduced along with breastmilk after 6 months of age. Weaning is not as simple as it seems to be. There are a lot of problems associated with weaning and this article explores ten common problems.

(1) Diarrhea and constipation
         Diarrhea is the major cause of illness during weaning in infants. It is either due to starting solids early or preparing weaning food in unhygienic conditions. The timing and pattern of stools change as the baby starts on solids. This makes the baby experience constipation especially if the food given to them has low fiber content.

(2) Refusal to eat
         It is very common for the baby to refuse food when they try something for the first time. They make faces or even spit out. But once they are exposed to the same food items repeatedly, they get adapted. Some babies are picky eaters where they eat only a certain kind of food and deny other food items.

(3) Choking and gagging
         Hard and big pieces of fruits and vegetables are a choking hazard for babies. Gagging is the normal reflex that occurs to prevent the baby from choking. It is hard to differentiate gagging from choking so seeking medical help immediately is important.

(4) Vomiting
         Vomiting or spitting up food for 6 months after starting solid foods is common. It occurs when the baby is given too much food in a small period or when there are indigestion issues.

(5) Underweight or Obesity
         Underweight occurs when a baby refuses to eat or takes less quantity to feed or takes food that is less concentrated with protein. Frequent illness and diarrhea also contribute to weight loss, thus leading to being underweight. Whereas obesity occurs when the solid food is started too early or the baby is given large quantities of food to feed or given a diet that has high fat or carbohydrate content.

(6) Allergy
         If there is a family history of asthma, eczema, or food allergy, the baby has a high risk of developing allergies to certain foods especially fish, egg, wheat, or peanut. The baby starts developing swollen lips and rashes if he/she is allergic to any food. Allergy is a major consequence associated with weaning since it could even cause life-threatening situations to the infant.

(7) Sleep trouble
         Breastfeeding helps the baby to relax and sleep well but as soon as the baby starts on solids he/she faces digestive issues causing them to have disturbed sleep.

(8) Colic
         Breast Milk is easier for the baby’s tummy to digest. But when the solids are introduced, the digestive system of infants finds it difficult to break them causing pain in their tummy. This usually happens for the first 4 months post-weaning and then settles down.

(9) Spoon feed or cup refusal
         Babies start to refuse spoon feed around 8-10 months of age when teething occurs. The same goes with cup feeding. Since the style of feeding is different from what they had, it takes time for them to get adapted to the new pattern.

(10) Early and late weaning
         Starting on solid foods earlier results in babies having risk of frequent infections, digestive issues, eczema, childhood cancer, and diabetes. Where as weaning late causes a risk of having anemia and dental caries and malnutrition (Under weight/Over weight)