Phew🙄, remember the times when you struggled with nursing? After all those days of bottles and breastfeeding, your little one is finally grown to start solid foods!
Breastmilk and formula have fulfilled all the nutrients until now. Then what should I give my baby to fill those nutrient gaps? Here is a little guide to how to feed your baby with solid food for new mamas✨!
How should the baby eat during the transition period?
Starting from about 4 to 6 months old (6 month old is recommended, but depending on the pediatrician and your baby’s health, some babies starts their solids at 4 month old), your baby will start to taste solid foods, along with breast milk or formula😋. They will continue eating 7-8 ounces of liquid every 4-5 hours a day, along with 1-9 tablespoons of solids.
Between 7-12 months old, you will continue to feed the majority of their nutrients through breast milk and liquids, but you should gradually cut back on the amount. During this period, will be gradually introduced to meat, vegetables🥕, grains, and fruits.
The most important nutrients in a baby’s diet?
Of course, every nutrients are important! But some play a bigger role in your baby’s growth and development. Most of the nutrients on the list are pretty much the same as what we need as an adult: Protein, Calcium, Carbohydrates, Fats, and Vitamins. For the first year, the baby will still get most of the protein and calcium from breast milk. Once their age turns one year old, you should slowly change their source from liquid to solid foods by slowly introducing your little one to eggs, meat, tofu, yogurt, cheese, and so on!
Iron, Omega-3 fatty acids, and fluids do big roles in your baby’s development as well. Phew, that is a lot of nutrients, right? But remember, instead of worrying about fulfilling every nutrient or serving, try introducing a variety of good-for-baby foods with a fun and happy atmosphere, so that the baby doesn't feel repulsed by the new food.
My baby is not eating enough! What should I do?
If you feel like your baby is not eating enough, try recording her growth in a chart. As long as your baby continues to grow at a healthy rate, she’s probably getting enough to eat!
If your baby’s growth chart doesn’t seem right, check if you started feeding solids too early. Babies before 5 months old can’t fully digest solid foods, which makes them refuse solid foods. Also, if your baby was lying down during the feeding, it could be the reason why she refused to eat. Babies should sit while eating solids for better digestion!
If you are still unsure, talk to your baby’s doctor next time and discuss your concerns. They will be able to check your baby’s growth and refer you to a nutritionist or feeding center!