Baby nutrition is divided into stages depending on the maturation of the nervous system, digestive system and kidney. Since the baby's swallowing reflex is weak in the first 3 - 4 months, the baby can only be fed by sucking. For this reason, he may not be able to swallow the food given with a spoon. Additionally, stomach acids are low. Enzymes for digesting starch and fat are not developed. Therefore, the most ideal food is breast milk, which has the perfect ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
If the development of babies is normal in the first 4-5 months, they do not need additional foods until the 6th month. Additional foods to be given during this period are complementary to breast milk. Before introducing solid food, your baby must be able to sit, even with support. Feeding babies lying down can cause suffocation and is dangerous. When your baby starts solid food, he/she should be able to turn the food around in his mouth and push it back with his tongue. It is more difficult for a baby who is not breastfed to transition to complementary foods. Because the taste of milk changes depending on the foods the mother eats. For example, when the mother consumes foods containing onion, the onion taste passes into the milk, and the baby becomes accustomed to the onion taste. Therefore, it is more difficult for babies who are not breastfed to transition to complementary foods.
SALT, SUGAR AND SPICES ARE NOT GIVEN TO THE BABY UNTIL THE AGE OF ONE YEAR.
— It would be best to start with light vegetable puree first. Because when you start with fruits first, the baby may not want to eat vegetable purees that are tasteless and unsalted.
— In the first days, start with one type. This is a good way to get the intestines used to new foods. Additionally, if several types are started at once, you cannot distinguish which food causes the side effects. Give one variety every 3-4 days. Give the second type after you get used to the first one.
— Vegetable puree is gradually increased after starting. Example: vegetable puree is gradually increased to 1 - 2 teaspoons on the 1st day, 3-4 teaspoons the next day, 7-8 teaspoons on the 3rd day, half a bowl on the 4th day and 1 bowl on the 5th day. The aim is to get used to the intestines without straining them.
— Try the first complementary foods at lunch and on an empty stomach: a full baby may reject new foods.
— Leave the amount to be given to your baby.
- The baby should not be forced to eat food that he does not consume. It should be tried again after a period of time (about a week later).
— Smile while feeding your baby and reflect your positive energy to him.
— There may be some changes in the poop after each new food (diarrhea, hard poop). , frequent or late pooping, gas, etc.).
— Definitely continue breastfeeding. You can breastfeed even immediately after giving your baby additional food. Do not use rewards or punishment methods when teaching your baby eating habits. Do not put pressure or restrictions on what they should eat.
— When babies cannot chew additional foods, they push them with their tongues; Mothers also think that the baby does not like this food. However, the child pushes food away because he cannot hold his tongue together. To prevent this, foods should be given in small amounts.
— Breastfeeding should be continued after starting complementary foods.
— Since fruit juices contain dense carbohydrates (3 or 4 oranges for a glass of orange juice). (if you think you are bored) can sometimes cause diarrhea and we load the baby with more calories than necessary. Also, we do not use the pulp of the fruit. Therefore, it is better to give it in its entirety in the form of fruit puree.
— Feeding with food broth has no nutritional value.
— Bone broth has no nutritional value.
— Choose supplementary foods according to the season, within your budget and from the freshest, most plentiful and cheapest vegetables and fruits.
LEAVE MEAL TIMES TO YOUR BABY.
We eat three meals a day in the morning and we want our children, and sometimes even our babies, to comply with this. However, our children may not be hungry at the same time as us, forcing meals may lead to reluctance, rejection, restlessness and anxiety in the child. For this reason, it is necessary not to be strict at meal times and wait until the baby is willing.
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