Baby Diet Breast milk is an essential part of baby diet.
This begins right after birth till the infant is four months old. It continues along with other supplements, which are ideal in baby diets. An infant enjoys three kinds of feeding patterns before he is a year old. The primary phase is the nursing period. This is the period of sucking the mother’s milk and other liquids. Transitional period is the second phase, which a transition by itself, is wherein the child is ready for certain solid foods, also referred to as weaning foods. The modified adult period is the third phase.
The child is ready for many foods from the table.
Majority of babies’ diet need careful planning. Breast milk is the best source of nutrients, as it is a wholesome storehouse of vitamins, minerals, protein, calories, carbohydrate and fats. An array of enzymes that aid in digestion and assimilation are present. Antibodies are substances that aid in enhancing the immunity levels of the child. Risk of allergy is also reduced.
Supplements of vitamins are recommended by physicians, if the child is on breast milk alone.
Iron supplementation is not necessary in breast fed infants, as their supply from mother’s milk and pregnancy input suffice. As the child ages, the frequency of intake of breast milk by the infant gradually decreases. This is due to the increased intake in the quantity of milk. A number of formula feeds are available in the market. For infants on artificial feeds, the transit time in the system is slow. This is because; the milk is broken down in a slow manner. Hence children on formula feeds consume milk, less frequently.
Cow’s milk, skimmed milk, soy milk and goat’s milk are not an essential part of infant diet. These increase the burden on kidneys, resulting in dehydration. Solid foods are commenced when the child is around four to six months. Commencement prior to this results in allergy, obesity, and diarrhea and growth impairment. The child is ready to digest protein, fats and complex carbohydrates. A teaspoon of cereal, in a liquid form is administered. The quantity of solids is gradually increased and replaced by multi grains. Avoid fruits in cereals. Introduce one food at a time. This helps in checking out the presence of allergies or intolerance, if any. Pureed vegetables, mashed pulses, cooked and mashed carrots, peas and beans are good to begin with.
Infants diet is supplemented with animal foods, when the baby is around seven to nine months old. Lamb and chicken provide good amount of protein. Certain foods like soy, fish, milk, egg, peanut, chocolates, cow’s milk, beef, wheat and orange juice require more care, as they cause food allergies.
Water is an essential part of a baby’s diet, as it prevents constipation. Big pieces of candy, meat and nuts choke them. Sweets, carbonated beverages, tea and candies affect the appetite of the infant. Seasonings and salt are not recommended. Foods from the family table with less spice are preferred. |
