Extra Tips To Provide The Right Nutrition For Your Baby

Breast/Formula first, solids later:

Feed baby breast milk or formula before solids to ensure that they receive all their vital nutrients and health-giving factors before filling up on solids. At around nine months, this often reverses and food comes first.

Liquid to puree to lumps and bumps:

The transition from strictly liquid with consistent taste and texture to solid foods can be a tricky one. “Food” is thicker, varies in taste and texture as well as color. Ensure that all foods are either cooked or pureed (by hand, blender or baby food appliance) into a smooth 'liquidy' paste resembling runny yogurt (breast milk or formula can be used to thin the food). You can introduce a new food once every 3-5 days to understand your baby’s reactions.

Start as you mean to continue:

Your baby may only have a teaspoon of the food. So it’s important to maintain the quality of it. Dense in nutrients and free from additives, the quality of your baby’s food cannot be compromised on. This holds true for toddlers too who have much larger appetites but still relatively small tummies.

As a baby becomes more independent, what counts is the food that is offered as we have less control over what is actually eaten. Be persistent and consistent, don't make a fuss, and be a good role model.

Say no to meal breaks:

Nobody wants a cranky baby, isn’t it? Missing, skipping or even delayed meals can put you as a parent in a tough spot. A regular flow of nutrients throughout the day will ensure that your little one has all the energy they need as well as building blocks for their growing brain and body.

A good dose of iron:

At around six months, the iron content in your baby’s body can get low. A good supply of iron for healthy growth and development is essential. Most baby cereals are fortified with iron so make sure you invest in the right one.

Messy but fun:

Make eating food a positive and pleasant experience for your baby. Even if it means you let him get messy and play with the food, touch it and feel its texture as he explores… this will help keep the routine as exciting as your baby would want to make it.

PS. A bib is always handy in times like these along with some baby wipes.

Take your time:

Introduce new foods one at a time as you try out different variants over a 3-5 day period. So if your baby has a reaction/allergy to a particular food it is easier to determine the culprit. You also get to learn about the foods your baby will soon turn into a favorite.

Warm, hot or cold:

Room temperature is most babies' preference in terms of food temperature, although some may prefer it slightly warmer, for example, at body temperature (given milk straight from the breast is at this warmth). Place baby's bowl into a bowl of hot water to warm it to the desired temperature. Avoid using a microwave to warm up your baby’s food.

The importance of water consumption:

Babies' kidneys are not as adept as adults at handling the waste products from the digestion of food. As your baby begins on solids, it becomes increasingly important to monitor the amount of water your little one is drinking, particularly in the case where milk feeds are being replaced by solid foods.

Young children don't have fully developed thirst cues so it is important to offer your little water at regular intervals. Ensure that your baby’s bottle/sipper cups are placed in easy-to-see and reachable positions and keep a check on the content levels throughout the day.

Fruit juices – Good or bad idea?

Usually parents give fruit juices to children to assist with their dietary intake of vitamin C. While milk, fruit juice and water are the three most popular fluids for children under one, water is the preference. While some intake of fruit juice is fine (in moderation), excessive intake can lead to gastric upset, loose stools and may interfere with your child's appetite and in severe cases their physical development. Dietary guidelines recommend that children:

The right time to start on cow’s milk:

Generally it's best not to introduce cows' milk as a drink until after your baby is one to reduce the risk of allergy or the displacement of breast milk, formula or meals.

Alternatives to milk:

Milk alternatives can be a great option after the first year. Many are fortified with calcium to make up for any shortfalls. Such drinks also offer a variety of fluids and nutrients, and may benefit children who are lactose intolerant or have other allergies and sensitivities.

Some alternatives include:

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