Tag: Child Nutrition

When to start solids?
Child Nutrition, parenting

When To Introduce Solids? And Signs That Baby Is Ready!

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Introducing Solids

Parents get so excited when it’s time to introduce solids to their little bub! Now a days some Pediatricians recommend starting solids as soon as 4 to 5 months and some ask to wait until 6 months. And as a parent we get so confused, what to do!!!

Well, before the age of 6 months mother’s milk or baby formula is all they need to full fill their nutritional requirements. (you may consider giving Vit D supplements after consulting your doctor). Waiting until six months is actually a good idea cause it gives your baby time to develop fully to digest solid foods.

Other than Age there are some other factors parents should look for, to decide weather your baby is ready for solids or not!

Signs That Baby Is Ready For Solids

• Baby stay in sitting position with or without support.

• Can hold their neck steady on their own

• Good eye, hand and mouth coordination

• Swallowing food without pushing it out, overcoming tongue thrust

According to American Academy of Pediatrics when babies double their birth weight and their weight is 5.9kg (13 pounds)or above they are usually ready for their solids. And this usually happens around 4 months. But every baby is different!! Seeking your Pediatricians advice is the best thing to do.

Talk to your doctor and ask questions it helps a lot!

Disclaimer

This website provides medical information for use as information or for educational purposes. We do not warrant that information we provide will meet your medical requirements. It is up to you to contact a health professional if you are concerned about your or your child’s health.

Source

  • UNICEF
  • NHS (Start4life)
  • Adapted from Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics
Child Nutrition

Feeding Your Newborn Baby! How often And How Much?

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Newborn babies are meant to get hungry very often! They need to eat every 2-3 hours. In an average 8-12 time in a day. Babies who are exclusively on breastfeeding could eat every 1.5 hours, that make around 15 times a day. It’s a good idea to feed your baby on demand, both day and night!!

This will also help you to increase your breast milk supply. Breast milk is produced as per your baby’s demand, the more your baby demands, the more milk will be produced.

If you are formula feeding your baby, please follow recommended measurements by your paediatrician. Newborn Babies have very small stomach size,over feeding them could cause them spitting up more often and have reflux.

It’s hard to tell if your baby is getting enough milk if your baby is exclusively breastfeeding .

You know you are feeding your baby enough when you see

  • Good amount of wet diapers
  • Appropriate weight gain
  • Baby is active and happy

Make sure, while feeding,baby is latching properly and swallowing. If not, you can consult your paediatrician or a lactation consultant.

Disclaimer: This website provides medical information for use as information or for educational purposes. We do not warrant that information we provide will meet your medical requirements. It is up to you to contact a health professional if you are concerned about your or your child’s health.

Is my new baby eating enough? (WebMD Medical Reference)

UNICEF IYCF

Child Nutrition

Responsive feeding and it’s benefits

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Every parent want their baby to be happy and healthy, and the first thing comes to our mind is, Are we providing our baby enough nutrition!!!!

Every Mother complains and I quote “kya karu thik se khana hi nai khati!!” So often parents end up with force feeding and add up distractions like watching tv, which is not a healthy option!

Responsive feeding will help your baby for better growth and development.

What is Responsive Feeding?

It means communicating with your baby, Responding to their actions. Understanding when they are hungry and when they are full.

Basically you feed baby when he is giving you hunger cues and stop feeding when baby is giving you cues that he/she is full. Babies have their own way to communicate, try to understand them! Please don’t say, “just one last bite!” and end up feeding them more & more.

If you think your child is not eating enough and rejecting food, stop the feeding session right there and offer again after some time! This time try different food with different texture.

Remember it’s not just about what are you feeding your kid, it’s also about how and when are you feeding them! Make sure of the surroundings, be gentle and talk to them lovingly while offering them food.

Benefits Of Responsive Feeding

1. Helps to Build good relationship with your baby

2. Lower chances of getting over weight now and in future

3. Healthy habits

4. Makes meal time easy

5. Helps you to interact with baby even better

Responsive feeding helps you understand their needs. Let them tell you what they like, what they don’t!!! How much they would like to eat, and when to stop.

Lets Make Meal Time Fun And Allow Our Babies To Explore New Tastes. Keep in Mind,

“ Even Your Baby’s Choice Matters!”

Introducing solid foods ( UNICEF United Kingdom)

IYCF (UNICEF New York)

Is Your Baby Hungry or Full? Responsive Feeding Explained (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Breastfedding

Breastfeeding And Common Questions!

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All new mothers to be have thousands of questions about breastfeeding their baby! As this is a new experience for mother and the baby, it takes time to get comfortable! It is a natural process, all you have to do is give some time to the baby and yourself.

Is breastfeeding easy?

It’s a different experience for everyone! Some times it’s easy and some mothers finds it difficult. It could be difficult with first child and easy with another one. So, just say each mother can have different experiences each time!

Why nipple hurts while breastfeeding?

The most common reason is cause baby is not latching the nipple properly. Usually when you start feeding, you can feel a little pinch which lasts hardly for few seconds. But if pain or pinching is lasting through out feeding you must consider taking lactation consultation.

But even if it hurts, continue breastfeeding.

How many times should I breastfeed in a day?

Every baby is different, but babies are tend to get hungry more often cause they are growing rapidly. Feeding every 2-3 hrs is very essential for babies development, in an average 8-12 times In a day. If your baby is exclusively on breast milk they may need more feedings, around 15 times a day!

Washing nipples before every breastfeeding?

The skin around nipples actually produces good bacteria, which helps mother to prevent infections on breast. But if you are using products like nipple balm to soothe your nipples, it’s a good idea to clean it before breastfeeding.

What should I eat while breastfeeding?

Plan a 4-star diet recommended by UNICEF.

Staples: Grains such as wheat, rice and millets roots such as potatoes. 1 Star ⭐️

Legumes: such as lentils, peas, groundnut and seeds like sesame. 2 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️

Vit A rich fruits and vegetables: Such as mango, papaya, oranges, dark green veggies such as spinach, meethi. And other fruits such as banana, tomatoes, eggplant and cabbage.

3 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

Animal source food: Dairy products, Meat, chicken, fish and eggs. 4 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

When should I start weaning?

As per Dr.Michele Griswold a lactation expert and a former president of International Lactation Consultant Association Some babies naturally start weaning after one year or so. Cause by 1 year of age they are already on their solids and so busy exploring the world, the become more focused on learning different things.

Mothers need Support to continue breastfeed, support from family, workplace, employers and entire community!

Breastfeeding is not just about food it’s a part of nurturing care package that helps children to grow throughout their entire life!

_ Dr.Michele Griswold

Mini Parenting Master Class (Dr.Michele Griswold)