Feeding guidelines for your precious newborn
During baby’s first year of life. It is crucial that you choose the right diet for them. is very important. Children develop the most during this year. So, feed them healthy. balanced food at due time. Helping them get accustomed to good eating habits so early in life will help them carry on the habit even when they’re adults.
You should not give your baby solid foods unless it is advised by your pediatrician. Breast milk or formulas provide adequate nutrients needed for growth, up until 4 months of age. It is also difficult for your baby to consume solid food before that age.
Building a strong digestive system: Undoubtedly, breast milk is the most ideal food for a new born in order to develop the digestive system. It has the perfect composition of all the nutrients that the baby needs. For example, through breast milk, the baby gets the perfect mixture of lactose, protein (casein and whey) and fat. Even though casein protein digests slowly, it is always good before bedtime. On the other hand, whey protein digests quickly and helps in muscle growth. Even though formulas imitate breastmilk but it cannot be compared with the exact composition of breastmilk.
Breastmilk for a better immune system: Breastmilk contains antibodies which tend to protect the baby from different kinds of illness such as diarrhea and other breathing problems. It also reduces the possibilities of a baby being obese or overweight. Therefore, ensuring that the new born gets breast milk exclusively for the first six months will help to build a better immune system.
Amount of milk based on baby’s age: The proper amount of milk needed for your baby’s growth should be instructed by the pediatrician. For 1-month old babies milk serving should be 2-4 ounces for six to eight times each day. For 2-months it should be 5 to 6 ounces per feeding for 5 to 6 times in a day. And for months three to five, the serving should be 6 to 7 ounces for 5 to 6 times each day.
Complementary foods: From the age of 4 months to 6 months, the baby can start having single-grain cereals. The fortified cereals contain vitamin and minerals which are essentials for the baby. This is to be highlighted that, from birth to the 6 months of age, the baby possesses a natural reserve of iron. Around the age of 6 months, the depletion process starts. Hence, from the age of 6-7 months, your baby is ready for solids. Begin with foods like baby rice, fruit juice and vegetable purees. If you want to introduce baby-led weaning, give your baby chewier foods like, cooked strips of carrot or cooked stalks of broccoli.
Reference:
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-food-timeline
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/How-Often-and-How-Much-Should-Your-Baby-Eat.aspx
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/feednewborn.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20047741
https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/eating-as-a-family/dos-and-donts-for-babys-first-foods
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/How-Often-and-How-Much-Should-Your-Baby-Eat.aspx
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/baby-food-timeline
https://en.justforbaby.co/article/feeding-guidelines-for-your-precious-newborn/9
