New mothers might get confused about what they should feed their baby or what is the right amount they need. At times, they also get worried about how to feed them in the right way. Well, you have come to the right place as in this topic we are going to share information on what you should feed your baby?
In most cases, mothers get worried when they should feed their baby and what type of food they can eat, Here we are going to tell you everything you need to know to feed your baby.
Age: Newborn to 4 Months
Feeding Method
Rooting Reflex (When you touch their mouth or lips they make sucking motion) helps your baby to turn towards the nipple to get the food they need.
What does the baby need?
Only Breast milk or formula
Tip for feeding
The baby’s digestive system is in developing mode so they should not be given anything solid.
Age: 4 Months to 6 months
What are the signs they need solid food?
- The baby can hold their head up and sit on the chair in an upright
- Significant weight gain and weighs around 13 pounds or 5.8Kg.
- Able to close the mouth when you feed them with a spoon.
- Able to move food from front to mouth back.
What to feed?
- Semi-liquid, iron-fortified cereal
- Pureed vegetables like sweet potatoes, squash
- Pureed meat like chicken, beef, pork
- Pureed fruit like apples, bananas, peaches
- Unsweetened yogurt small amount
How much should be given?
- Start with about 1 teaspoon cereal or anything pureed. Along with that breast milk or formula 4 to 5 teaspoons.
- Give 2 times a day 1 tablespoon of cereal or pureed food, with breast milk or formula. If cereal is given gradually use less liquid to get a thick consistency.
Tips on feeding the child
- If the first time they did not eat what you offered then try again after some days
- Keep a gap in between for 2 to 3 days when you give them something new to eat. In case they eat something and have an allergic reaction or anything not normal then note it down and tell your doctor.
Age: 6 Months to 8 months
What are the signs that they are ready for solid food?
Same as that of 4 to 6 months
What should be given to them?
- Breast milk or formula
- Pureed or strained fruits like pears, bananas, avocado, applesauce, or peaches.)
- Pureed or strained vegetables (well-cooked sweet potatoes, carrots, squash,
- Iron-fortified cereal (oats and barley)
- Pureed tofu
- Pureed legumes (black beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, lentils, chickpeas, edamame, or fava beans)
Right amount
- Fruit 1 teaspoon, with time increase to 2 or 3 tablespoons (4 feedings).
- Cereal 3 to 9 tablespoons in 2 or 3 feedings.
- Vegetables 1 teaspoon, with time increase to 2 or 3 tablespoons (4 feedings).
