Feed the baby
In the early months of the child, the child needs proper nourishment to build an object capable of maintaining his immune strength and the energy necessary for his movement. The first year of the child’s life is usually exciting and full of events for both parents and children. The child undergoes many changes in growth and eating patterns The transition from direct dependence on breast milk in the early months or formula milk alone to a solid food diet is important for feeding and growing the baby.
When the baby starts eating
Breast milk is the preferred choice (or formula milk) for infants until at least the age of the year. It is also important to provide solid foods at the right time, when the child is about six months old so that the stock of iron is low and the child needs For extra food other than breast milk to prevent feeding problems such as iron deficiency, you should start delivering solid food to your child in about six months. Children may be different in preparing to eat. Some are prepared before the other. Parents should observe the child’s signs of readiness The first solid food, how do you know if the child is ready to eat solid foods?
Signs of the baby’s desire to eat
There are clear signs of willingness to eat by the child such as:
- Observe others when they eat and tilt forward in the presence of food.
- Open mouth when serving food to it.
- Extending the hand and holding the food.
Signs of unwillingness of the baby to eat
If the child is not ready or interested in solid foods, or if the child feels full, he or she:
- Take the tongue out of the mouth.
- Close the mouth firmly and move the head away.
- Crying.
- Push the hanging away.
If it happens in your first attempt to feed the baby, do not worry and try again a few days later. It is normal for most children to spit food the first time they eat solid food. They will soon learn to swallow if you continue to feed them, and with experience you will know when the child is hungry or sick Or unwilling to eat or tired, and this is important in choosing the appropriate times and types appropriate to feed the child.
Tips for feeding a child
- Food should be served in a small spoon that fits the size of the baby and should never be placed in the feeding bottle.
- Be calm and relaxed when you start feeding your baby.
- Make sure the child sits comfortably and does not feel extreme hunger or tension.
- Give the child one new food each time, and try it for several days before adding another food.
- Children usually refuse foods when they first serve, and it may take from 5 to 10 attempts to get the baby to accept the new food.
- Stay with your child while eating, let him sit with the family to watch and learn.
- The baby may have one spoon at first, but that will increase over time and practice.
- Be patient and ready. All children are in a mess when they learn to eat.