Breast milk is undoubtedly useful for the baby, but sooner or later there comes a moment when it is not enough to put it alone. Therefore, we have to introduce complementary foods. And here a lot of questions arise: What to introduce? How to enter? How many? When? And many others.
Nutrition for a child is a food that is prescribed to the baby at 5-6 months of life. It should not completely replace breast milk, its purpose is to supplement breast milk or mixtures in which there is no longer enough nutrients. It is important to understand that during such a period the laying of the foundation of health is taking place, which is why feeding the baby is so important.
Why is feeding done after 5 months? Everything is extremely simple. Early feeding can lead to allergic reactions, in addition, the formation of a full swallowing reflex occurs only by the 5th month of life.
So, in order to start feeding a baby, it is important to remember a few rules:
- You need to feed before breastfeeding. You need to start with a small volume (with a teaspoon) and gradually increase the amount of food to normal at this age.
- You need to introduce new complementary foods after the baby gets used to the first look.
- In no case do not introduce two different foods at once.
- The consistency of food should be homogeneous so that the baby can swallow it freely.
- It is necessary to gradually diversify the composition of complementary foods and increase its amount.
- Feeding is not administered if the child is sick. Wait for a full recovery and calmly accustom the baby to new food.
Feeding a child should begin with water and juices. From the very first day of his life, a baby needs water, especially in summer. You need to give water a teaspoon between the main breastfeeding, a lot is not needed. And do not worry if he refuses water, this means that he has enough fluid that comes with milk.
Juice is the next lure for babies. The best option is apple. You need to give them before meals and start with a teaspoon. Concentrated juices are best diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1. Then it is already possible to introduce pear, currant, as well as berry-based juices.
The next stage is porridge. It is better to start with rice, oatmeal or buckwheat. To do this, you need a coffee grinder. Cook porridge should be in water without salt and sugar. The consistency of the finished porridge should resemble sour cream. You need to start with a tablespoon, gradually bring the volume to normal - so as to replace one feeding.
By about the 7th month of life, it is already possible to introduce vegetable and fruit purees. It can be zucchini, carrots, broccoli (in it, by the way, a lot of iron), potatoes. From fruits: apple, pear, later peach, apricot, banana. At first, the puree should consist of one component, then, when all types are introduced - gradually mix the vegetables. If your child is often tormented by constipation, add beets to the diet.
Thus, by 8 months, complementary foods for babies consist of juice, cereals and vegetables.
About 9 months, curds and kefir are introduced. It is good if in your area there is a special dairy kitchen for children up to a year. As a rule, meat and fish are introduced closer to the year and then not in its pure form, but together with vegetables, or in the form of broth and soup. Fish should be treated with caution, check whether the child has an allergy to it. Meat should be given two to three times a week, and fish once a week.
And another important point - do not give salt to children under one year old. After a year, you can slightly add salt to meat and fish dishes.
In no case should you feed a child smoked, fried, spicy, pickled dishes. This can lead to digestive upset or even more serious complications. The same goes for sweets. Cakes, sweets and cakes will certainly be in the diet, but later. In the meantime, grow large and do not get sick!