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Let's Eat!
Monday, March 14, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
I love to eat, but this blog is not about me (well, at least not today - lol). Soon after you become a parent you realize that little is about you anymore
.
This can be a good thing - or a bad thing - depending on the moment or day. Whatever the case, food and eating is essential to development, especially that of your baby's.
Think of a day you have gorged out on chocolate, or drank too much coffee, or perhaps skipped a meal or two. Ugh. Chances are, you don't feel your best. The good news is, as an adult, you can make things right. Our babies, however, depend on us.
What can you do? What should you be doing in that first year to optimize baby's development through proper nutrition?
First, know what is appropriate for your baby:
*From birth to approximately four months of age, breast milk and/or an iron-fortified formula is all baby needs. Why? Babies can suck and swallow, but other skills which enable them to ingest solid foods are still developing.
*Between the ages of 4-6 months - just around the same time baby can sit unsupported - babies can begin to explore solids such as rice cereal, applesauce, and other pureed fruits such as bananas. Of course, continue with breastmilk and/or formula.
*Around 6-8 months, baby may begin to use their tiny fingers to pick up their own foods. Most babies can be introduced to new foods (be sure to introduce slowly and one at a time - re: food allergies) such as mashed potatoes, pureed carrots, peaches, and other fruits and vegetables. Continue with breastmilk and/or forumla.
*Feeding is a whole new adventure as baby is 8-12 months old and beginning to eat a variety of foods such as bite-sized pieces of cheese, egg, noodles, peas, etc. And..of course, continue with breastmilk and/or formula.
Remember that during this first year you are setting the stage for life-long nutrition. Avoid sharing sweetened drinks, soda, or other sugary treats with babies.
While mealtime may be all business to you as you are concerned about how much and when baby is eating, remember that this can also be real fun and a time of learning for your kiddo.
Make up silly songs, work on your best airplane sounds (the spoon coming into your baby's mouth is the landing!), and be sure to keep a camera close by (especially as baby starts to self-feed).
Like all aspects of parenthood, some days are easier than others, but the effort in ensuring that your baby is eating right is worth it.
Bon Appetit!
