Starting the Weaning Journey
In Japan, the weaning process for babies is well-documented and detailed. After gathering tons of information and reading numerous books, I decided to go the traditional route of starting solids with pureed foods. While I considered baby-led weaning, where babies skip purees, my priority was safety and preventing any choking hazards. Plus, from a practical standpoint, prepping a week’s worth of food and warming it up at feeding time seemed easier.
After extensive research, I’d like to share how I prepare a week’s worth of baby food. It takes about an hour and a half to prep and cook everything, but once it’s done, it’s easy to warm up whenever you need to feed your baby. If you’re planning meals for your 5 to 6-month-old, be sure to download my free meal plan here!
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Essentials for Weaning
We began feeding my baby solids at five and a half months, making sure she showed signs of readiness. Here are the basic supplies we gathered:
- Spoons
- Block trays
- Blender
- Bibs
- Steamer or Seiro
- Small bowls
We didn’t have a high chair until my baby was six and a half months old, so we fed her while holding her or using a bouncer. Once we got the high chair, it made a world of difference!
Our Feeding Schedule
In Japan, they recommend starting with 10x rice porridge for weaning. We began with a teaspoon of this porridge, gradually increasing the amount over a week. Once my baby got used to the rice, we introduced vegetables like carrots, squash, spinach, and potatoes, waiting 2-3 days between each new food. After she got accustomed to veggies, we added proteins like tofu and white-flesh fish, alongside the vegetables and rice, and gradually increased the amounts.
Thawing and Heating Foods
I prefer steaming frozen foods instead of using a microwave because I believe it’s healthier. Microwaves tend to dry out the food, whereas steaming keeps it moist and nutritious. I use a Japanese seiro for steaming, but any regular steamer will do. Though microwaves are commonly used in Japan for heating baby food, I’m very satisfied with the steamer, even if it takes a bit longer.
Lessons Learned
What I Should’ve Done:
- More Block Trays: As my baby’s appetite grew, having more block trays would have been helpful for storing larger quantities of food.
- Silicone Bibs: I initially used regular bibs, which required frequent washing. Silicone bibs are easier to clean and more practical.
- Good Seating Chair: A proper seating chair would have made feeding easier. Holding her was challenging due to her constant movement, but she ate well in her bouncer. A good feeding chair is highly recommended.
- Feeding Before Hunger Strikes: Feeding Rumi before she got too hungry improved our feeding experience. When she was already hungry and fussy, she preferred her bottle over solid foods.
What Went Well:
- Good Blender: A reliable blender was a huge time-saver for prepping a week’s worth of purees.
- Efficient Block Trays: I use Richell block trays designed for easy removal of frozen purees. Regular ice cube trays can work but require more effort.
- Positive Feeding Experience: I avoided forcing food on Rumi. By adjusting feeding times, she was able to enjoy her pureed foods better.
Prepping Baby Food
I made a video showing how I prep food for my six-month-old baby, demonstrating the steps and tools I use to make the process efficient and enjoyable. This has been an invaluable part of our weaning journey, making feeding times smoother and more enjoyable for both of us.
Final Thoughts
Our weaning journey with Rumi has been a learning experience, filled with trial and error. By prioritizing safety, using the right tools, and adapting our approach based on Rumi’s cues, we’ve made significant strides in introducing her to solid foods. Each baby is unique, so it’s important to stay flexible and responsive to their needs.
By sharing our experience, I hope to provide helpful insights and practical tips for other parents embarking on their own weaning journey. Remember, the key is to create a positive and safe feeding environment for your baby! Happy cooking!
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