Starting Solid Foods: When and How
For several months following birth, breast milk (or formula) is the only food that your child needs. It is only a matter of time, however, before your child begins to develop cravings for solid food. As muscle coordination develops and the baby’s nutritional needs begin to change, the transition from an all-liquid diet to a mixed one becomes inevitable. Moving to solid foods is a big step, but the good news is that it usually comes naturally, so you will not have to force it.
Iron: Making Sure Your Baby Gets It
We’ve all heard that breast is best, but one of the drawbacks of exclusively breastfed babies is that they are at risk for iron deficiency. Although formula-fed babies get iron through fortified formula, breast milk does not contain adequate amounts. The LA Times reported that “Studies have shown that 4 percent of 6 month olds, and 12 percent of 12 month olds are iron deficient. Children between the ages of 1-3 years of age have rates of iron deficiency between 6-15 percent. Preterm infants, infants who are exclusively breastfed and infants who are at risk for developmental disabilities seem to be at higher risk to develop iron deficiency.”
So what’s the big deal? A lot, actually. Dr. Frank Greer, co-author of a Continue reading
What to Eat When Breastfeeding
By Lisa Pecos
During pregnancy, new moms have to worry about everything they put into their bodies. And while there are many ideas about what is best for a developing baby when it is in the womb, there is widespread agreement about the things that definitely should be avoided and what foods are healthy for the unborn child. But when it comes to post-birth health, the answers are not so clear-cut. The good news is that if you just eat healthy you should be fine, but there are additional concerns to keep in mind.
When to Wean Baby
Weaning really begins from the time additional nourishment apart from breast milk or formula is given to baby. It is a process rather than an event. There is no best time to wean baby. Most mothers do it when it suits them and their child. Babies are usually started on solids at around six months. As the baby gets older, he or she will want more solid food and often the need for milk then diminishes over a period of time. Continue reading
Tips for Bottle-Feeding Your Baby
Not everyone can breastfeed-feed their baby and bottle feeding is an accepted substitute, so the new mother should not feel guilty if she is unable – or chooses not – to breastfeed. It will certainly cost more to buy the formula, bottles and teats and the sterilizing gear, but baby must be fed. Continue reading
The 411 on Baby Gas Problems
Many babies seem to be disturbed by abdominal gas; they either ingest bubbles of air while feeding or gas forms in the gut as bacteria breaks down undigested sugars. When this problem is really bad it is usually called colic. Two things can contribute to the problem of gas – fast feeding and failure to burp halfway between the feed and after completion. Continue reading