Unveiling the Japanese Approach to Weaning Children

The Japanese-style weaning method is gaining interest from many Vietnamese mothers due to its healthy eating practices that promote the well-being of their children. Bach Khoa XANH will now disclose this method in order to provide you with a better understanding!

What is the Japanese method of weaning?

Japanese-style weaning involves a combination of various foods to establish a diverse and suitable diet for each stage of a child’s development. This method aids children in consuming a nutritious diet and ensures effective digestion and absorption of essential nutrients.

The benefits of Japanese-style weaning include the promotion of proper chewing and swallowing skills, early adoption of utensils such as forks and spoons, autonomy in food selection, and familiarity with food flavors.

When practicing this method, it is important to create a comfortable psychological environment for children, allowing them to choose foods they enjoy and avoiding forceful feeding that may instill fear of eating.

Japanese weaning is a method of weaning that combines many different foods to create a varied and suitable diet for each child’s developmental stage.

Defining clear goals for Japanese-style weaning

The Japanese-style weaning method typically incorporates naturally sourced or cultivated foods such as vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat. Canned and processed foods should be avoided.

The aim of this method is to support healthy development in children, prevent obesity, and maintain a balanced nutrient intake. Furthermore, it promotes a low-protein diet for children aged 12 to 18 months, with a recommended maximum protein consumption of 20g per day.

Properly implementing Japanese weaning for babies

When introducing solid foods to children, it is recommended to avoid using bones and meat for soups and instead use dried fish and seaweed, which are rich in calcium. Additionally, vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, radish, and pumpkin are beneficial for children.

It is crucial to select the appropriate time to introduce solid foods based on the child’s development. At around 5-6 months old, when babies can sit with support, mothers can begin practicing feeding them solid foods.

Important considerations when implementing the Japanese weaning method

5 – 6 month period

When introducing solid foods, provide the child with thin and pureed porridge that is easy to swallow and minimize the risk of choking.

Once the baby becomes accustomed to liquid foods, gradually introduce steamed and pureed vegetables that are easy to digest.

Since breast milk is the primary source of nutrition, mothers should only feed their babies solid foods once a day. If the child dislikes it, do not force them to eat. Take a break for 2-3 days and then resume.

7-8 month period

At 7-8 months old, babies can already consume solid foods. Mothers should diversify vegetables to stimulate the baby’s taste buds. In addition to porridge, mothers can introduce soft-cooked vermicelli, noodles, and rice noodles to vary the taste. Children should practice touching and picking up food to develop self-feeding skills.

During this stage, babies can also explore other sources of protein such as chicken, beans, fish, and mushrooms.

In addition to milk, children should consume 2 additional meals per day. Desserts can include bananas, papayas, mashed mangoes, yogurt, cheese, or diluted orange juice.

9 – 11 month period

By this age, babies have been consuming solid foods for a few months, resulting in proficient swallowing skills. Many children at this stage can consume broken rice porridge.

Children aged 9-11 months can include more types of meat and seafood in their diet, such as cockles and shrimp. Aside from the two main meals, offer soft ripe fruits cut into pieces for the child to self-feed. Additionally, provide yogurt, cheese, and soft, low-sugar cakes.

12-18 month period

At this stage, many babies have transitioned to consuming meals similar to those of adults. In addition to three main meals, children should have two snacks.

The diet for children in this age group should be diverse. Pay attention to what your child prefers. The aim is to adapt their taste and eating habits while providing essential nutrients.

Guidelines for providing Japanese weaning food

When initially introducing solid foods, offer separate foods to stimulate your baby’s taste buds.

Once the baby is accustomed to various foods, you can mix them together to introduce more variety.

The Japanese weaning method promotes a frugal diet. Initially, provide your child with light meals to ease the adjustment process. If the child is exposed to strongly flavored foods first, they may reject bland foods, especially vegetable-based dishes such as boiled or steamed vegetables.

Understanding your baby’s psyche

When training children to eat solid foods, it is crucial to consider their psychological state. Each child possesses a unique personality that evolves with each developmental stage. Therefore, it is essential to understand these changes in order to adjust the diet accordingly to suit the child’s personality.

With the Japanese weaning method, establish a consistent feeding schedule for your baby. Additionally, parents must demonstrate patience and determination. Avoid comparing your child’s food intake or preferences with those of other babies.

Prepare mentally for the possibility that your child may resist. This is only a temporary phase, so do not feel pressured.

In conclusion, choose an eating method suitable for your child’s needs in order to promote their intelligence and overall health!

Also read: Compare the 3 hottest baby feeding methods today