2. A New Chapter In Child’s Life.. Is your baby ready to open his mouth for new tastes and textures?
3. This is what some mothers/ caretakers do? Forcibly introduce new foods . Remember, foods should be introduced when baby is Physically ready to handle them
4. When Is the Baby Ready For Solids ? Baby is around 6 months of age Able to sit with support Reaches & grabs for food Trying to reach for plate Mimic's your eating behaviour Every child will have his own calendar Remember, immediate goal is to introduce new foods and not fill up his tummy with these foods
5. Why to Wait ??? Baby’s intestines & stomach need to mature. Young babies have tongue- thrust reflex. Swallowing mechanism is also slow. Baby should be able to sit. Very young infants are not equipped to chew. From a Nutrition perspective, milk fulfils all the needs till 6 months. ‘Let the baby develop & thentry new foods’
6. Feed Related Tips …. Offer new foods in the morning. Introduce one new food at a time. Start with rice cereals first. Do not use cereal as a ‘filling food’ . Next, comes well pureed strained veggies & fruits. ‘ Following a sequence will help the child to adapt better’
7. Fruity & Veggie Tips…. Start with bananas. Stewed apples/ Apple sauce another variation Carrots & Sweet potatoes – nutritionally ideal food. Pears & Peaches are also good choices. Avocados an ‘ideal nutrient dense food’. Can be given with apple/pear sauce
8. Tips for Night feeders Keep baby’s tummy full with frequent feeds during the day. Feed baby before you sleep. Don’t let baby sleep with bottle. Give your little one light massage before sleep. Sleep when your baby sleeps.
9. What Do I Do ?? If they cry , If it is Thirst, give water & Not Milk, Not Juice If Hunger, feed them appropriately If Companionship, pick them up & Not feed them Remember, Feeding with Love and Feeding them what they want will result in better Growth
10. First Year ……A time to lay foundation for future ahead Encourage Healthy Eating. Introduce your baby to the world of varied foods. Allow the child to explore and enjoy. Discourage unacceptable behaviour in a warm way. ‘A wise and loving Mother offers Nutrition & Affection together’
