The reason you should not wean your baby early

Perhaps you have heard and been counseled to wean your baby about six months after birth? The reason is that, if you wean your baby before six months, your baby may have some health problems such as:

Your baby's digestive system and kidneys may not be fully developed enough to digest solid foods. Weaning early can put your baby at risk for digestive problems like diarrhea. Babies are also at high risk of stomach ulcers. Your baby's body may not be able to process gluten - a substance found in wheat and other grains.

Breast milk has a lot of nutrients. If you stop breastfeeding too soon, your baby will absorb less nutrients.

Early weaning is not beneficial for baby's growth and development.

Babies are also at risk for infections and allergies - more likely to get digestive problems or obesity later on. Your baby is at risk for some of the skin diseases caused by early weaning such as eczema. The eczema will cause swelling, redness and itchy baby.

Your baby is at risk of gaining weight and obesity when growing.

Another reason you should wait until the sixth month is because late weaning is easier for your baby than having to wean early. At this age, babies have the ability to sit on a high chair, take food from a spoon easily or be able to feed by themselves. Because your baby is self-feeding and because you can feed your baby a variety of foods, it is easier for your baby to maintain a more nutritious and varied diet. If you start weaning before six months, you will have to slowly and carefully change your baby's foods, and the foods you can feed your baby will also be limited.

Consult your doctor and dietitian if you have any other questions.