Pregnancy And Baby Care Baby Feeding Stages Baby Feeding Amount

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Feeding baby Breast milk

...Feeding baby breast milk is important for the first few months of the infant’s life. Mother’s milk can be accompanied with a milk formula a few months later. This is because mother’s milk is known to contain a large number of minerals and nutrients which are beneficial for the healthy growth and development of the child. Additionally, breast milk contains a substance known as colostrum; this particular substance helps in building and strengthening the child’s immune system. While breast feeding however, it is important that the mother maintains a healthy diet. Alcohol, cigarettes and medications should be avoided as these can be passed on to the baby via the milk. The general recommendation is to feed the child breast milk for the first 4-5 months of its life.

Baby feeding amount (solid foods and rice cereals)

Solid and semi solid foods can be introduced into the child’s meals after 4 or 5 months. These foods should be introduced slowly, so their system has the time to get accustomed to it. Some foods that can be fed to your toddler include semi solid rice cereals, and various other kinds of grain cereals like oats and barley. Initially one can start by feeding the child a mixture prepared from one teaspoon of dry rice cereal and four teaspoons of breast milk. This can be given to the child once a day, in addition to breast milk. The consistency and frequency can be gradually increased every week. Solid foods such as mashed fruits and vegetables, can be incorporated in the child’s diet when he or she is about 7-8 months of age. Initially feed the child a teaspoon each of mashed vegetables and fruits once a day, and then gradually increase the frequency. Ensure new foods are introduced one at a time and not all at once.