Weaning is the process by which a baby starts relying lesser on breast milk and is introduced slowly to eating family or adult foods. This process of introducing new food varies from culture to culture and is mainly regulated by the child’s individual needs. Babies in the weaning age group are growing and developing very fast, so great care has to be taken to see that they are getting enough of the right kind of food.
Weaning is the time when babies move out and become more independent from their mothers. They are exposed to germs in the environment as they are less dependent on breast milk and more on outside food. Because of this reason babies are very likely to get oral infections too. This is why food prepared for babies has to be made in a very hygienic way.
The food the family eats is often heavy to digest and bulky. A child of weaning age needs food that is soft and easy to chew, nutritious and full of energy.
Highlights

Weaning does affect the infant oral health including the teeth and other tissues and structures in and around the mouth.
Weaning can be either planned or natural but make sure it’s gradual.
Weaning can be equally frustrating and difficult for the mother as well as the child.
Weaning at the right age is very important. Better chewing action stimulates the growth and development of the teeth, jaws and other surrounding structures in the mouth.
The baby’s facial structure and facial development also depends on weaning to some extent.

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