Thursday, August 27, 2009

Baby Nutrition: Are You Feeding Your Baby Right?

Do you know that improper nutrition can make your baby grumpy? Not only that, lack of good nutrition can also affect the physical health of your baby. When proper nutrition is the mantra to a healthy and happy life, follow the right nutrition basics for your baby and keep all worries at bay. A right nutrition can ensure the proper growth of your little child and maintain his/her good health.

Good nutrition also adds to the immunizing power of the body and so a baby who eats all the right nutrients seldom falls ill. However, when it comes to feed your baby, there are certain guidelines that you need to follow. This is because, as your baby will age, his/her nutritional requirements will also change and so to keep up with that you will have to keep changing their food habits too.


Here are a few nutrition basics for your baby:


First 6 months
Breastfeeding is the most beneficial for babies. Until a baby crosses the six months stage, mother’s milk is sufficient for him/her. Mother’s milk contains all the fatty acids in the right proportions. It also contains iron and calcium. However, for mothers who have mastitis or other breastfeeding problems, formula feeding is the next best option for their babies. In the normal cases, babies should be introduced to bottles gradually. Refrain from feeding your 6 months old with the milk of cow or goat or soy milk.


After 6 Months
Once your baby crosses the first 6 months, start introducing solids in his/her food. A six month old baby should be fed with foods rich in vitamin, fats and minerals. Minerals like iron and calcium are the most important for a baby’s growth and development, at this stage. Fruit juice which is a very good source of nutrients is also a favorite with the kids.


However, in spite of feeding solids to your baby, it is recommended that you still continue feeding breast milk till your child becomes 12 months old. Dairy products are not for infants below 2 years and hence should be avoided. Coarsely mashed foods like rice, meat, fruits and vegetables can be given. By the time, your kid becomes 12 months old you can start feeding him/her little bites of whatever food the rest of you all have in the family.


Final word
Thus, it is not only important to feed your baby at regular intervals, but ensuring that he/she is getting the right balance of nutrition, is equally important. Besides, consulting the doctor on a regular basis and following the food guidelines properly can result in a healthy growth and development of your baby.


Linus Orakles
http://www.authorclub.info/

No comments:

Post a Comment

Advertisement

Advertisement1

Advertisement