The initial 4-6 months of a newborn baby requires content breast milk. However, it is difficult to know when and how to start feeding your baby with infant food. Here is the proper guide about how and when to start feeding your newborn with baby food.
When should you start infant food?
The first and foremost question that arises is when and what to feed your toddler. According to the World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), mothers should breastfeed their babies at least for the first 6 months. Most the babies start taking solids in 4 or 5 months. However, parents are suggested to talk to the pediatrician before making any changes in their baby’s diet.
How to pick the best commercial infant food?
Both natural and packed baby foods are good for your baby if picked properly. For commercially prepared food, begin with simple, single-ingredient food. Many companies offer infant food with stage 1, 2, or 3 labeling. These labels guide parents about the number of ingredients. Generally, the stage 1 baby food has the smoothest consistency. They are generally for 4- to 6-month-old babies. Here is the list of some of the best stage 1 baby foods:
- Plum Organics Stage 1
- Happy Baby Organics Clearly Crafted Stage 1
- Beech-Nut Naturals Stage 1
- Gerber Organic 1st Food
Apart from that, parents can begin with regular infant cereal, preferably oats, fruit purees, vegetable purees, or meat purees. Parents can also ask the doctor about Vitamin D supplements because several times breast milk does not provide enough minerals to the baby.
How to choose organic infant food?
To begin with, organic foods are considered healthier and more hygienic as compared to other foods. Organic infant food contains higher levels of vitamin C and calcium. In addition, these meals also have ingredients that offer twice the amount of nutrients as other foods. Moreover, organic foods contain no additives, which can be beneficial for your baby as he/she grows. In addition, it also reduces the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and hyperactivity.
Here is the list of some of the best organic infant food for the beginning
- Dried organic milk
- Organic smoothies
- Vegetable purees
- Organically grown fruits and vegetables
- Organic desserts, such as strawberries, raspberries, etc.
- Processed pulped foods (for a little older babies)
Foods to avoid
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), parents should not feed cow’s milk, honey, unpasteurized dairy, or undercooked meat to babies below the age of 1. Feeding this sort of food early can increase the risk of infection in a baby’s developing immune system.
Parents are also recommended to avoid solid food, which is difficult to chew. For instance, popcorn, chips, raisins, nuts, raw apples, hot dogs, raw carrots, whole grapes, etc., can be difficult to chew. Furthermore, some doctors also suggest avoiding highly allergenic foods like nuts, eggs, and wheat during the first year.
Key Takeaway
Expect changes in your newborn’s eating habits, as your newborn baby may want more amount of food with each passing day. Your newborn will not eat the same amount every day. During growth spurts, your newborn may take more. Rather than keeping a strict eye on the clock, respond to early signs of hunger.
There are times when parents worry about their baby not eating much. It is generally recommended to pay attention to how often or regularly the baby eats. Also, check if the baby is steadily gaining weight. Moreover, it is strictly recommended to contact the doctor if the infant is not gaining any weight and wets fewer than six diapers a day.
Conclusion
Food plays an important role in the growth of a baby. However, having proper knowledge about nutrition intake and texture is necessary. Various companies, such as Bubs Organic, Nutricia, Little Dish, etc., offer healthy commercial infant food categorized according to the stages of feeding. Companies are also innovating their product line by including more nutrition as per consumer demands. Users can also get a line of organic food for their babies. According to a study by Astute Analytica, the global infant food market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2027.
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