Early Nutrition

              Early nutrition is vital for our children, the eating patterns we teach our children at this early stage will determine how well our babies grow.

           As mothers we often question whether our babies are getting enough to eat……

              Babies who have regular poos and have six or more wet nappies are most probably getting enough. Growth is also another important sign.

          Hungry babies will send you lots of signs to let you know they are hungry;

    Common signs are;

n      fussing

n      crying

n      irritability

n      lip smacking

n      fists in mouth

                       Breast feeding provides the most complete food for health, growth and development and you should aim to feed your baby for at least six months. This may not be possible for same mothers, but remember that even a few feeds can be of benefit to your baby. Some mothers can not breast feed at all, they should be assured that commercial formulas provide all the essential nutrients. An iron enriched formula is recommended. Remember that babies under twelve months should not be given cow’s milk, this is because it is too hard for babies to digest and cow’s milk does not contain the appropriate concentration of protein, fat and carbohydrates. After twelve months cow’s milk should be introduced slowly, watch for allergic reactions and milk intolerance.

            Breast milk or formula will provide all adequate nutrients a new baby needs, therefore, solids should not be started before six months as it can be harmful to babies, their digestive system may not be ready and introducing solids to early can increase the risk of developing allergic reactions.

           First solids should be easy to digest – infant cereal is a good choice. Begin slowly, introducing one or two vegies per week. In addition to rice cereal, try oat and barley cereals; Vegetables and fruit and pureed chicken and beef. It is recommended not to introduce juice before six months. It is a myth when people say vegetables should be introduced before fruit in order to increase acceptance to vegetables, this is untrue, vegetables should be introduced to babies in an alternating manner.

            If there is a family history of allergies, eg; cheese, yogurt, fish and wheat you should think of delaying these foods until nine months or more. Take away any foods that cause;

n      Rash

n      Runny nose

n      Diarrhoea

n      Or any other signs of an allergic reaction

                      Eye and hand co-ordination will begin around 7-8 months, therefore it is good to begin some finger foods, and good finger foods are;

n      banana

n      slices of apple and pear

n      small pieces of cooked chicken

n      peas and carrots

                  The pieces should be big enough for baby to hold but small enough so baby does not choke. Teeth also begin to develop around this age and fingers of toast and rusks can help relieve sore gums.

                  When your baby is able to sit in a high chair they should be included at family meals, foods should be mashed or cut into small pieces. Do not expect baby not to use their hands, even if you give them a spoon. At this stage it’s all about family interaction and learning to self feed, it’s not about manners ….manners will develop later as the baby grows and offcourse by the good example that older siblings and parents set out……

                 I hope this helps……………..