What are the best foods to introduce to a baby's diet during weaning off? [Courtesy]

The community groups on Facebook make it worth the while for people with similar interests to engage and share meaningful information on specific topics. For example, when I started feeding my baby porridge, I wanted to know which type was the best, so I asked my colleague, who referred me to a popular Facebook page for mothers.

I put up the question, and within minutes, answers started flowing from experienced mothers - some who seemed delighted giving me the information based on the 'welcome to motherhood' and 'you are doing a good job' comments.

Not to say the wealth of information was not overwhelming, but it brought the answers I was looking for closer to home.

It was different from when I Googled; the conversations felt authentic and practical, not to mention the advantage that most of the members are within the same locality and, therefore, even recommended where to acquire some of the things I needed.

However, as I scrolled through previous topics, I noticed some very contradicting statements from some members.

For instance, one mother wanted to know which greens were suitable for her seven-month-old baby, and some of the answers left me quite baffled.

For instance, I read spinach should not be given to a baby less than a year old - contrary to what I thought, given the many benefits - and that traditional greens were the best, while others opined the opposite.

What rattled me was that some of the women giving the information were either doctors or nutritionists and their contradictory statements left me a bit confused.

After introducing my baby to solid foods, he got constipated the first few days. I told a colleague that I wanted to feed my son pawpaw to see if it would help his bowel movement, but I was warned against it.

"Pawpaw is acidic and your baby might react to it," she said. But since I had made up my mind, I was going to give it to my baby; having done my little research, I fed my son pawpaw.

To my surprise, he pooped, which made me happy, but I kept hoping he won't react to it. And after a few weeks of including pawpaw in his diet and his bowel movement kept improving without getting any allergic reaction, I patted myself on the back, knowing I had made the right decision.

I am still introducing my son to different foods and fruits for him to explore, but his favourite seems to be ugali and stew, with pawpaw being his best fruit.

Throughout this process, I noted a few things about weaning off a baby, one being that it is okay to experience mixed emotions when weaning off. Still, take it easy on yourself and take the time to adjust to the new normal.

Also, babies are different. Most mothers in the Facebook community groups gave advice based on how their children responded to solid foods, hence the contradicting views.

This also goes for friends, family and colleagues. Still, ask for help when you feel stuck, and do not ignore the information given, as some of it might be useful to your specific needs.

Do your research, but do not let it engulf you to the point you second guess every move you make. Some of the information and recommendations you receive might not work for you due to reasons such as finances.

However, if you can afford expert opinion, like going to a paediatrician, then, by all means, do it. Ultimately, go for what will make the weaning-off process more comfortable for you and your baby.

Finally, a mother will always know what is best for their babies, having spent the most time with them and watching their behaviour growing up.

So let your baby explore the different types of foods, and in any case of an allergic reaction, you will identify it early enough and find the best possible solution.