Feeding in the first year of a newborn’s life is so critical and varies in many ways and aims to support your baby’s development. Formula-fed newborns should be fed approximately six to ten times each day, whereas breastfed infants must be fed more each day. You want to start providing your baby proper nutrition from the onset, especially in their first year. Based on your infant’s development stage, feeding skills, and readiness, getting into good feeding habits sets a healthy eating foundation.
When to Feed the Baby
Babies generally know when they are hungry, and you will know too, so whenever they show signs of being hungry, feed them. Try to keep feeding times and amounts consistent and avoid incorrectly feeding your baby to manipulate them to go to sleep or adding foods to a bottle like rice cereal. This can cause constipation for your little one and may cause additional stress for you as you will need to look for information on how to help a constipated baby.
Know When the Baby is Hungry
There are various ways your baby can show they are hungry, uncomfortable, need a diaper change, upset, tired, or maybe need to be burped. A few general signs of hunger with babies include sucking on their hands, grabbing a bottle in sight, smacking lips, or pointing at food, a spoon, or feeder’s hands.
Sometimes you may miss a baby’s hungry cues, and babies will catch your attention when they are upset by crying and fussing. The caregiver should pick up on the baby’s hungry cue for to enjoy the feeding time. The same goes for when your baby is full; they will show signs like falling asleep, give back the food, or pull away when you attempt feeding them.
When to Start Feeding Your Infant Solids
The first six months of the infant are critical for feeding, with healthcare providers recommending exclusive breastfeeding. However, if your baby is used to other formulas in the first four months, he or she may be ready to be offered solid foods. Baby’s naturally develop differently, and as such, few signs hint at your infant’s readiness for solid food.
Babies who developmentally ready for solid foods have more control of their posture, from sitting upright with no support and reasonable head control. Another extraordinary hint is when your baby shows signs of wanting more nutrition after all recommended breastfeeding or formula feeding times.
Things to Avoid in the First Year
There are certain foods to avoid in the baby’s first year, whether it may cause harm to the baby or ruin their natural growth in the long run. Avoid warming your baby’s food or bottle in a microwave; instead, dip the bottle in warm water, and shake the bottle to evenly heat the food before feeding the baby.
Eggs, peanuts, and fish are highly allergenic foods and recommended to be delayed in an infant feeding diet. Early introduction of these foods has an unclear effect of causing or preventing asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis.
