A healthy baby’s diet

Posted on Mar 8 2013 - 1:59am by Rena

A healthy baby's dietChoosing a healthy diet is very important for the mental and physical growth of a baby during the first year of its life. Choices start at birth when the mothers and fathers need to decide on whether to breast- or bottle-feed their baby. Due to the rapid physical maturation of the infant, there are many which will be raised regarding the first-year dietary considerations for babies. It is very important that you always consult with your pediatrician before changing your baby’s diet.

Birth to 3 Months

After the baby is born, the baby’s only source of nutrition is either breast milk or formula. Each of these nutrition sources has its pros and cons. Breast-feeding your baby will bond mother and baby quickly and will provide immunity to illness from the mother’s milk. Breast feeding is also free and rather convenient as well. Breast feeding you little one also means that the father or other family members cannot help with feedings. Parents who choose to bottle-feed their baby must decide on which formula is best for their baby. There are many different types, but the three main types of baby formulas come from soy, cow’s milk, or hypoallergenic protein blends.

4 to 6 Months

It is normally between 4 and 6 months that the baby becomes ready for baby cereal to supplement the chosen milk or formula. Well, you can check with your pediatrician at honolulu pediatrics care centre (if that’s where you reside) or in your city, before introducing solids to your baby. Sitting on their own, supporting and gaining head control, and becoming interested in foods are all signs that they may well be ready to start with solids. Always start with a single-grain baby cereal and mix it with a little formula or breast milk. A few teaspoons of cereal are enough to start off with. If your baby tolerates the cereal, you can try adding one pureed vegetable or fruit at meal time. Wait for a few days before you try to introduce new foods so that you can see what they like and dislike.

6 to 8 Months

A healthy baby will drink a supplement of breast milk or formula throughout the entire day, but already know when meal times are by the time they reach about 6 to 8 months old. Your baby might be reaching for your plate by now to get their little hands on some more solid food. After being with your pediatrician and getting their blessing, a 6- to 8-month-old baby could be ready for a diet that includes finely chopped-up soft foods. Small pieces of fruit and overcooked pasta are great for starting off with. Avoid pieces of hot dog and grapes, as they can cause your little one to choke. Once you start feeding your baby some amount of normal food, check if your child is showing negative signs or digestion problems. And in case you encounter health issues in the baby, take them to a pediatrician who can provide the necessary treatment to a sick baby. In such a situation, don’t panic since these could be standard signs that your baby is adapting to food. Moreover, a professional can guide you better through baby diet development and how to deal with temporary side effects.

9 to 12 Months

The last three months of the first year will be a transitional period for baby’s meal times. Healthy babies might be able to drink from a cup and use a spoon by this age. Supplementing their solid foods with breast milk or formula normally continues until just past their first birthday. Fruit juice is acceptable, but keep it to a minimum, as juice can cause diarrhea in infants. If your baby is ready to eat meals with the family, be sure to finely chop the portions into small pieces and do not include any chewy pieces of meat.

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