"A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities ." ~ Eda J LeShan
I realized, making a baby,then waiting for her/his arrival,then taking care of the baby well so that he or she grows up to be a healthy person in and out is not a child's play .Every step is crucial,challenging ,testing and needs a good preparation ahead for it can otherwise get stressful especially if you are like me taking care of the baby all by yourself ,ignorance is not a bliss here and knowledge is certainly the power !!
Everyone around you will throw their expert piece of advises on everything related to a baby every now and then ,internet is also flooded with information and can be helpful when needed but I believe we must most importantly rely on a good pediatrician for the actual guidance and also follow our baby's cues undoubtedly .Atleast that's what I do !!
Once baby is born ,every mother struggles with learning the tricks and tips to breastfeed her baby or the alternative,the formula milk to the baby .Once the baby gets a good latch on and mother is producing enough milk or like me who struggled there as well,had to feed formula as well at times ,once you know how much you are suppose to feed the baby and how often as per doc's instruction and baby's liking ,it becomes a tad smooth process..You get a rhythm and for a few months it is same thing over and again but once the baby is 4-6 months ,the story changes ….
The pediatrician will inform you if baby is ready to take solid foods from 4-6 months period and in my case, my baby girl was gaining weight properly and doctor suggested to give her solid right from 4th month .My baby's doctor would always give us print outs regarding what to give to baby and what not to.It was helpful !! As my baby hit a milestone month by month,the type of solid food intake also kept on changing .So,I gathered all info about the solid food to be given to baby from month to month and I always referred to it whenever I needed to make homemade foods for my baby ,sometimes all info would be out of my reach .
So,I wanted to note it here in my blog which will be handy for my (fingerscrossed) next baby in future 😉 as my little girl is already a year old now and share with you all as well especially new mamas like me who are full of questions and doubts ...Hope these guidelines will be helpful !
So,I wanted to note it here in my blog which will be handy for my (fingerscrossed) next baby in future 😉 as my little girl is already a year old now and share with you all as well especially new mamas like me who are full of questions and doubts ...Hope these guidelines will be helpful !
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This picture is little blurred .I apologize for that ...I am glad I could make this pic atleast in the first place .You see,now my time is all at my little princess's service .Nowadays I am lucky if I get time to jot anything in this blog and will be doing so only when time permits.....As of now,something is better than nothing because writing is nirvana for me....
Coming back to the topic,
Some other feeding points to be remembered are :
Some other feeding points to be remembered are :
- When starting her/his first solid food ,always give the baby one food at a time not combinations and continue for 3-5 days .This will make sure if the baby is allergic to any food or not.
- Begin with a teaspoon and increase slowly to a tablespoon of food.Baby should be getting cereals,vegetables,fruits,meats,proteins alongwith the required breastmilk or infant formula.
- Infant cereals should be fortified meaning with iron and should be given till the baby is 18 months.
- Salt or sugar is not needed to make homemade infant foods.Special care should be taken with producs that come in contact with soil as it can have botulism spores that may lead o food poisoning.
- Cow's milk is recommended only after 1 year as a meal.
- Honey should also be avoided till 1 year as it can lead to infant botulism.
- Fruit juice ,that is 100% fruit juice and pasteurized must be given only after 6 months and about 4-6 ounces day diluted with water .
- Babies need very little or no water unless it is very hot weather or for diluting a food . After 12 months,2-4 oz of water can be given twice a day.
- Babies should be offerered varities of foods without any restrictions of any calorie intake ,fat etc unless advised by the doctor and shouldn't be forced to eat all food offered .
- The food must not choke the baby in any case like any dry nuts etc,.
Disclaimer:This is for informational purpose only .Aways consult with your child's physician regarding any question or concern about solid food or more and do make sure any food is not allergic to your child .Also,these are mere guidelines.Some baby will eat as mentioned or more or less as every baby is different .
I personally follow my baby's cue/lead .I make sure my baby gets good nutritious yet tasty food but it is upto my baby to accept it or eat properly .If she gestures stop,I stop and if she gestures I will eat whole and little more,I do so ,both happily without any force.
For now,her wish is my command - I will listen to her ,so that she listens to me later (touchwood!) 😀 !
