Hey Baby Banda, we have started eating today. Can you help me? Today I started with malenge spinach and carrots.
Esther Kimani Staff
When starting to wean, it is better to start with grains such an iron fortified baby rice cereal, maize or wimbi porridge. Next add starches like potato, arrow roots, banana (matoke, sweet potatoes and the vegetables e.g. malenge (please note that malenge is a vegetable), green leafy vegetables etc. and fruits. Please ensure you add a bit of oil to the baby’s foods. Towards the end of the month, also add proteins like chicken, fish (tilapia) chicken liver and eggs to be able to build up the baby’s iron storage to avoid anemia. A baby’s meal should be balanced to ensure you meet the high energy needs hence the starches and oil are a vital part of this to avoid your baby losing weight. Ensure your baby still gets around 500ml of dairy by breast milk, formula and natural yoghurt. Fresh cow milk is not recommended until age 1.
Pleases note: Do not dilute baby’s food with milk, use water or soup as milk inhibits the absorption of iron when mixed with high iron foods.
