Am I Feeding My Baby Right?
by David Cummings
If you are a normal parent, you have heard some of the following comments from well-meaning family members, friends, and even complete strangers. Something that should be so simple - feeding your baby - suddenly becomes a confusing catalog of do's and don'ts.
"You should not give them eggs before they are one."
"Give her some cereal before bed and she will sleep through the night."
"No wheat in her diet until she is one or she will have an allergy."
And the best: "You're feeding her THAT!?!?"
If you are looking for guidance about feeding your baby, talk first to your child's pediatrician. These guidelines should help clear the baby feeding picture for you.
Starting Solids Is Not That Important
For the first year of your baby's life he needs nothing more than breast milk or formula for complete nutrition. He can eat solid foods, and most pediatricians recommend this so that he gets used to eating, but the main source of nutrition is liquid.
You can start some pureed foods when your baby is between four and six months old. Some signs your baby is ready for solids are being able to sit up with slight support, showing interest in the foods you are eating, and opening her mouth when you present food to her.
Many parents start with a single item, such as rice cereal. Feed the first food to your baby for approximately a week and keep your eyes open for any kind of reaction or allergy symptoms. If she takes to cereal well, you can continue to introduce solids one at a time. Traditional advice says to start with veggies, followed by fruits, and then meats, but you can start with fruit if you prefer. Wait to serve pureed meats until your baby is closer to nine months to twelve months, as they are harder to digest.
Transitioning to Table Foods
As your baby gets better at eating the purees, start making the texture chunkier so she gets practice at chewing. When she is good at chewing soft chunks, you can gradually transition to finely cut table foods, but make sure everything is very soft.
You will probably worry about choking as you start feeding your baby table foods. Babies can choke, but for most kids the gag reflux is strong enough to prevent this if they get a hold of something they are not ready for. Of course, do not let your baby eat unattended, just in case. Give your baby a variety of tastes, but do not worry about how much she is eating since her primary dietary needs are being met by breast milk or formula. Soon your baby will be eating like a pro, so enjoy these early days of feeding your baby, and keep your camera handy to catch the funny faces and messy meals.
David Cummings is a devoted family member and a regular author on parenting topics. He is devoted to helping other parents create quality time with their families and to assist children-oriented organizations as well. As the manager of Bustling Baby, LLC, he locates baby products that appeal to both men and women, such as baby carriers and slings offering convenience for active parents, and Safety First Eurostar Travel Systems, which provide style and functionality |