The importance of infant nutrition should not be underestimated. Providing your little bundle of joy with a well-balanced diet is actually the key to every child’s continued health and proper development.
Generally speaking, good nutrition starts even before birth when the fetus takes all necessary nutrients from the mother. But, when the baby is born, parents usually have trouble figuring out what type of nutrition is best for their little one. And while this may sound overwhelming for many, infant nutrition can actually be very easy to determine once you learn what nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop properly.
The most critical time for parents is the first year during which infants experience different food stages. That’s why it is important to have all the information beforehand in order to help your baby develop good eating habits from such a young age.
Proper nutrition is essential for a baby’s growth and development, especially during its first year. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and continue to receive breastmilk or formula in addition to solid foods until at least 12 months of age. But, when giving your baby solid food, you should choose carefully and rely on reputable companies that provide organic baby food free of harmful heavy metals. Serenity Kids explains in their post what heavy metal is and why it is present in food.
From breast milk to dairy, soy-free formula, and solid foods, here is a brief guide on what the proper nutrition for your baby should look like during the first twelve months of life.
The benefits of breastfeeding
The first type of food babies are introduced to when they are born is breast milk. They have their first taste within 1 hour of birth, which then should be provided every four hours, amounting to eight to twelve feedings on a daily basis. As your baby gets older, they will be able to take in more milk in less time, which will continue to decrease by the end of the first year.
In general, breastfeeding is considered the best type of nutrition your little one can be exposed to when they are born. The milk you are providing has numerous nutrients, such as vitamins, proteins and fat, that your infant needs to grow and develop. It is easily digested and readily available so you don’t have to worry about preparing anything in particular.
Besides its high nutritional value, breast milk also helps enhance your baby’s immune system and wards off infections and bacteria due to the presence of antibodies.
Breastfeeding has many benefits for both the mother and the baby. Aside from antibodies, breast milk also contains white blood cells called macrophages. These can help protect the baby from infection and disease. Furthermore, breastfed infants have a lower risk of ear and respiratory infections, diarrhea, and other illnesses because of these antibodies.
Close physical contact and bonding between mother and baby can stimulate the baby’s brain and help them feel secure and loved. As for the mother, breastfeeding can help them recover faster after birth, reduce the risk of postpartum depression and certain types of cancers, and may also decrease the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Lastly, it’s economical. Breastfeeding can save money on formula, bottles, and other feeding equipment.
Formulas as an alternative
Unfortunately, some mothers either are unable to breastfeed their newborns or simply don’t want to. So, they rely on another healthy alternative to provide their little one with all the necessary nutrients – baby formulas. You can choose from two common types – dairy and soy-free formulas.
Dairy-free formulas were originally created to match human breast milk’s chemical components and nutrients. It is usually the first go-to choice for parents when they have trouble with actual breastfeeding. However, sometimes such formulas may not be an ideal choice for your baby if they are lactose intolerant, have milk protein allergy or they’re at higher risk for reflux. In such cases, specialized formulas like the Aptamil formula for reflux can be a good option. This formula manages reflux while providing all the necessary nutrients for your baby’s growth and development.
If this happens, you have the option of using soy-free formulas made using soy protein. However, it is important that you first check that your baby isn’t allergic to the ingredients or if any added sugars are included in the formula.
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Introduction to solid foods
Babies are usually ready for solid foods when they are six months old. At this time, they become more interested in what they are eating and want to experience new food types, flavors and textures. Besides providing them with many nutrients, this baby food stage is also about getting them used to chewing and swallowing.
In general, there are no particular rules for your baby’s first solid foods. The most important thing is to offer a variety of fruits, vegetables and meats in order for your little one to become familiarized with different tastes.
For example, pureed combinations such as bananas and carrots or broccoli and meat are among the most common solid food choices. They include various vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins that are essential in the proper growth and development of your infant. Once they get used to such combinations, you can slowly incorporate other food types to see how your baby will react to them.
At first, the introduction may be a little chaotic, considering all the fussy moods and the mess of foods all-around your baby. One way to avoid or at least to smooth the transition for your little one is investing in baby-friendly tableware. Opt for animal-shaped bamboo plates and bowls or colorful sippy cups in playful designs to make the experience as inviting and exciting as possible. After all, solid food and later the self-feeding process is unfamiliar territory for babies, and they need time to adjust, so be patient. That’s the way it works!
What to avoid?
Although babies want to try everything, not all foods are safe for them during the first year of growth. It is important that you remember this rule in order to prevent any health issues such as allergies which may have bad consequences on their wellbeing.
For example, honey shouldn’t be given to infants under the age of one in any form. Consuming it can produce spores that secrete toxins which may lead to muscle weakness, constipation and even paralysis in young babies.
Another type of food that parents should not give their babies is cow’s milk. That is because they aren’t able to digest the enzymes, proteins and certain minerals that are found in it. Plus, this type of milk doesn’t provide all of the proper nutrients that are necessary for the growth of the baby.
Also, remember that all solid foods should be small in size to prevent choking.
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How often should your baby eat?
Babies that are born prematurely or with certain medical conditions usually have to follow scheduled feedings advised by your paediatrician. But for healthy, full-term infants, parents look at their little ones to see whether they are showing signs of hunger. These usually include crying, licking lips, fussiness or simply sucking on their fingers.
When they are born, breastfeeding or bottle-feeding with formulas is more frequent during the first couple of months. These feedings reduce as the babies get bigger, and their tummies can hold more milk. Once you get past this stage and reach six months, your child’s feedings should happen every four to five hours.
Some issues you may encounter include overfeeding or underfeeding. That’s why it is important to look at your baby’s reactions when you give them food to see whether they are eating excessively or not enough.
Final thoughts
Even in the mother’s womb, infants must be well cared for to grow and develop properly. Although some babies are born healthier than others, that doesn’t mean that proper nutrition should be ignored. Whether it is breastfeeding, bottle feeding with formulas or solid foods, it is important that your child is provided with all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
If you need assistance along the way, this post can serve as a guide to creating the best well-balanced diet for your newborn and helping them develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.Â
FAQS
What is the best food to start with when introducing solids to my baby?
- The best first foods for babies are usually single-grain cereals like rice or oatmeal, pureed fruits, vegetables, and meats. Start with soft, easy-to-digest options like mashed bananas, sweet potatoes, or avocado. Gradually introduce new foods one at a time to monitor for any potential allergies.
How do I know if my baby is ready for solid foods?
- Most babies are ready for solids around 6 months of age. Signs to look for include sitting up with little support, showing interest in food, and the ability to move food to the back of the mouth and swallow. Consult with your paediatrician to confirm the right time for your baby.
How much breast milk or formula should my baby consume after starting solids?
- Even after introducing solids, breast milk or formula should remain your baby’s primary source of nutrition during their first year. Babies typically need 24-32 ounces of breast milk or formula per day, with solids gradually becoming a supplement rather than a replacement.
What foods should I avoid giving my baby in the first year?
- Avoid honey, cow’s milk (until after the first year), whole nuts, and foods that pose choking hazards, such as grapes, popcorn, or hard candies. Also, limit salt and sugar in your baby’s diet to ensure healthy development.
How can I ensure my baby gets enough iron in their diet?
- Iron-rich foods such as pureed meats, fortified cereals, and lentils are important after 6 months. Breastfed babies may need an iron supplement, as breast milk is naturally low in iron. Consult with your paediatrician to determine if a supplement is necessary.
