Category: Solids

Can a Baby Be Healthy on a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet?

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For parents who shun animal products from their diet—whether just meat or all animal products—figuring out how to feed a baby can be challenging. Added to this is the fact that, when you tell people about your choice, many are liable to look at you like you are crazy. But do not let others’ misconceptions stop you. It is quite possible to raise a perfectly healthy child on a vegetarian or vegan diet. You have to be a little extra conscientious in some ways, but your child can get all the vitamins and nutrients he or she needs. So if you are seriously considering raising your child as vegetarian or vegan, tune out the naysayers and trust your own instincts. And if you decide to go forward, keep these tips in mind. Breastfeed as long as possible: As long as you continue to breastfeed your baby Read More

Do I Have Infectious or Non-Infectious Mastitis?

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If your breast tissue is red, swollen and painful it could be Mastitis. It most commonly occurs in breastfeeding women and is also known as puerperal mastitis or lactation mastitis. You can have the condition and not be breastfeeding but it is rarer and mastitis typically affects just one breast. If you are suffering from this condition you may be experiencing flu-like symptoms like a high temperature, chills and aches. Read More

The Perils of Meconium

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Meconium is your baby’s first poo! It has the consistency of treacle, it is odourless and unlike later offerings it is sterile. It is very dark and almost impossible to wipe clean. Meconium consists of water, mucus, amniotic fluid, lanugo which is downy baby hair and also intestinal epithelial cells. For most babies it is just their first poo (one of many!) and means a very gooey first nappy but in some cases it can be a cause for concern. Read More

From Milk to Formula to Solids: Helping Baby Transition

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By Lisa Pecos

All major American pediatric and health organizations strongly recommend breastfeeding babies for at least the first six months of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics, one of the preeminent authorities on such issues, recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and regularly breastfed for the first year or as long as it is comfortable for both mother and baby. There is abundant research showing that breastfeeding is the healthiest way to nourish an infant. And though formula can be good, the mother’s body naturally produces the right milk for the baby throughout the stages of early development.

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Starting Solid Foods: When and How

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By Lisa Pecos 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. Read More

Iron: Making Sure Your Baby Gets It

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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 Read More

When to Wean Baby

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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. Read More

How to Prevent Baby from Becoming a Picky Eater

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Eating a wide variety of foods to gain the best possible nutrition is the goal that most mothers aim for once it is time for solid food. Most babies accept what food is offered eventually, though as they get older and like to feel they are in control of their eating, they may refuse a food simply because it is being offered by mum. Read More

Your Baby and Problems with Solids

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Most babies get started on solids without too many problems. It is a baby’s nature to chew on everything in his hands – and many things that are not, such as the top rail of the cot. This means that they simply put the food that is in their hands into their mouths and chew on it. When it tastes good they find that eating food is a pleasant experience.

Problems might arise though with accepting new tastes. Sometimes mothers tend to give their baby the same few things over and over because they are easy to prepare and mash. Then when a new food is offered, baby really notices the different taste. He may screw up his face and spit it out. This doesn’t mean that the food should not be offered again. It doesn’t even always mean that he doesn’t like it and will never eat it.

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