You can safeguard your babys health by keeping a close watch on what he eats. There are three feeding patterns during a childs first year. This first stage is when your child is fed solely with liquids. The weaning stage follows after the first phase. This is when semi-solid food is introduced to your babys diet. Your baby gets to experiment with different textures during these months. This phase gets him ready for solid food, which would be given on the final stage.
Breastfeeding your baby is advised until he turns 4 months old. If this isnt possible, you should still keep him on a liquid diet. Milk formula is a viable alternative. Specialized milk formula may be given to babies with particular feeding requirements. Breast milk contains iron, but it still lacks some essential vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for your babys development. Additional supplements can be prescribed by your childs doctor in order to meet his nutritional needs.
Your childs consumption of breast milk should gradually increase as he grows older. He is able to consume more milk with less frequent feedings. Milk formula is digested more slowly compared to breast milk. Hence, formula-fed babies tend to feed less frequently. Cows milk and skimmed milk should never be used as milk substitutes. These types of milk may cause dehydration, and are not recommended during the first phase.
You may introduce semi-solid food when your child turns 4 months old. Every baby is different, and some may not be able to tolerate solid food yet. Keep trying for a couple of months. He should be completely ready for solid food when he turns 6 months old. Be careful with your food choices. Whey, nuts and eggs contain allergens, which may trigger food allergies in babies. Observe your child for any unwanted reactions.
With the exception of common allergy-causing foods, most food items should be tolerated well by your baby. His body should be ready to digest complex carbohydrates, protein and fats. Liquefied cereals are generally well-tolerated by most infants. You can gradually introduce new types of food as your baby adapts to his new diet. Refrain from putting fruit in his cereals. Pureed or mashed vegetables are better alternatives. Try giving him carrots, green peas and potatoes. Multi-grain cereal can be given as well.
Introduce tougher textures during the 7th month. Your child should be able to handle poultry and meat. Refrain from giving fish and beef, as these may cause food allergies. Chicken and lamb are better choices. Other known sources of protein include nuts, soy, soy milk and eggs. These items, however, contain allergens. Feeding your baby with these food items is discouraged.
Rougher textures persuade your baby to chew. Try to use different techniques in food preparation, so your baby can experience new textures. Make food softer by cooking them thoroughly. Use less spices when cooking for your baby, and cut them into bite-size pieces. Water is essential regardless of your babys age. Refrain from giving him soda and sugary drinks. These are normally not included in a babys diet.
Mayar Manninghansburger is the loving parent of two kids and loves writing about situations parents are usually faced with. Check out his JoJo Designs All Star Sports Bedding or the Dr Seuss Baby Bedding .
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