Weaning: a worry as old as time

Abstract 

Against a background of an historical appreciation that sets the scene for our current understanding, this article highlights present day practices in weaning, the process of gradually replacing breast or bottle milk with solid foods as the main source of nutrition for the young infant. Gastrointestinal, renal and nervous system preparation provides the biological determinants for when weaning should begin. The major nutrients of the weaning diet that best provide for optimum growth, development and health are outlined. This understanding serves to help appreciate the ideal programme of weaning and how its adequacies are best monitored, traditionally by the correct interpretation of serial weight measurement. Modern controversies are touched upon, especially the definition of weaning and the particular problems of certain vulnerable infant groups. Finally, the worry and concern still expressed by mothers, carers and health professionals alike about weaning, is highlighted. This largely reflects the lack of a strong evidence-base for the weaning process: further research in this area is needed.

Keywords:  Nutrition, Infant, Weaning, Breast-feeding, Developing countries, Health