Handy Tips To Take Care Of The Diet Of Your Baby
Feeding your infants is a constant commitment to making sure that they get enough nutrients during the year. Ensuring that your baby is getting a thorough supply of nutrition will help them build strong immunity. Rightly said are the sayings that each baby is unique, and so are their needs. Your baby might need a few things more or less than the basic diet chart.
There is no way to find out other than feeding. To get you through the routine, here are a few handy tips to take care of the diet of your toddler.
Nothing can compete with breast milk
For healthy infants until the age of 4-6 months, breast milk is the only ideal diet. In an unfortunate event, if breastfeeding isn't possible, stick to infant formula. Healthy newborns do not require any other dietary products such as cereals, juices, or even water.
Even cow's milk has more protein and mineral content than the baby's kidneys can handle. You must stick to the water-based infant formula of breast milk as the child isn't ready to digest anything else.
Take the cues to action
Newborns usually need around 8-12 feedings a day, i.e., one feeding every 2-3 hours. You need to look out for the signs to see when your baby is ready for food. Cues such as sucking on fingers and fists, lip-smacking are the early signs while fussing and crying are the later.
As it is vital to feed the baby when needed, you also need to learn the signs to stop feeding. The babies usually turn away from the nipple and stop suckling when they're full. You should wait for a minute or two and try burping the baby before you offer to resume feeding.
Variations are coming your way
Although infants require around 8-12 feedings a day, there is no hard and fast rule about it. The babies do not consume the same amount of food throughout. You should be prepared to embrace the variations in the feeding patterns of your baby. During the second to third weeks of birth, there is a growth spurt. This is when the baby might take in more food or require more frequent feedings.
Moreover, you will also have to introduce new items in their diet after the age of 4-5 months. The things you add should only be obtained from a reliable provider like Baby Edible. Whether you need to boil and mash starchy food such as potatoes, pasta, rice, etc., or soft puree fruits such as bananas, Baby Edible has got you covered. You can find all steam, puree, processor related machines on their site.
Trust your baby's instincts
To worry about the health and nutrition of your infant is normal. However, you shouldn't worry much as more often than not, and babies know how much they can eat. Instead of going for the frequency of feedings and quantity of intake, stick to your instincts. Look out for signs such as weight gains, at least six wet diapers by the first week.
If you think you need help with feeding your baby, ask the doctor or lactation consultant.
Vitamin supplements are essential
Infants do not require vitamin supplements until the age of 3-4 months. However, there are certain supplements that your baby might need before they're 4 months old in some cases. These might include vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin B12, for vegetarian or vegan mothers.
Consult with your baby's doctor about these supplements. Breast milk does not supply these vitamins, and you might have to introduce them to the diet.