Your babys diet should be monitored closely to ensure proper nutrition. Your child will experience 3 different feeding patterns during his first 12 months. The primary phase is known as the feeding period. This is when your baby is placed on a liquid diet. The second phase is known as the weaning stage. Your baby is gradually introduced to newer textures, to prepare him for the final stage. This is when he is finally able to eat solid food.
Breast milk is still the best choice, especially for newborns and infants below 5 months old. Infant formula can be given as an alternative to breast milk. Some children have special nutritional needs. Ask his pediatrician for a suitable milk alternative. Your child should be able to get his daily iron requirement from breast milk. Otherwise, his doctor should prescribe additional vitamin and mineral drops to supplement his diet.
As he grows older, your baby should be able to consume more milk in one feeding session. Try to increase feeding intervals, as he is expected to feel less hungry in between feedings. Breast milk is digested more easily compared to infant formula. Babies who are fed with milk substitutes last longer between feedings. Refrain from giving whole milk or skimmed milk. Cows milk is not advised for babies below 1 year old.
Infants from 4 to 6 months old are gradually introduced to solid food. Not all babies are able to tolerate semi-solid food as soon as they turn 4 months old. You may want to try again after 2 months. His body should be prepared for solid food by this time. Avoid giving him allergy-causing food, such as eggs, soy, nuts and citrus fruits. Whey and soy allergies are common in babies. Monitor your child if you intend to give him these food items.
All other food items should be safe for your baby. Just remember to watch out for common allergy-inducing food. Your child is now capable of digesting fats, protein and complex carbohydrates. Cereals are usually given when weaning a baby into solid food. As his body adjusts, you may try introducing one type of food at a time. Mashed or pureed veggies are recommended instead of fruits. Liquid cereal food can be replaced with multi-grain varieties. Most babies like mashed potatoes, or carrots and peas.
Meat and poultry should be included in your babys diet when he turns 7 months old. Choose chicken or lamb, instead of beef or fish. They provide the same amount of protein without the risk of food allergies. Soy, eggs and peanuts are good sources of protein, but should be avoided because they also trigger allergies. Soy milk and honey should also be avoided.
Introduce new textures by making your childs food coarser than usual. Coarser textures encourage your child to chew. Your baby should be able to handle any food that your family is having. Just be sure to make them less spicy, and cook them longer until they are soft. Cut them up in smaller pieces, or mash them if necessary. Keep in mind that water is very important, regardless of what feeding stage your child is in. Carbonated beverages are discouraged in a babys diet.
Author Resource:
Mayar Manninghansburger is the loving parent of two kids and loves writing about situations parents are usually faced with. Check out his All Star Sports Bedding or the Dr Seuss Crib Bedding .
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