The pediatrician explains how to offer food correctly and safely
Food introduction is a period, around six months, when the baby begins to consume solid foods in addition to breast milk or formula. This stage not only provides essential nutrients for growth and development, but also helps the little one develop oral motor skills, such as chewing and swallowing.
Therefore, pediatrician Kelly Oliveira, lactation specialist at the International Breastfeeding Center in Toronto and doctoral student in autism at the CBI in Miami, author of the digital book “Descomplicando a Alimentar Intro”, lists 5 precious tips to help families deal with this crucial stage of the child’s birth. life. Watch!
1. Foods to offer to children
The best foods to get started introduction of food These are seasonal fruits (when we offer them to children, we should always eliminate seeds and seeds) and vegetables. To prepare them, the ideal is to cook them well so that they have a firm and soft consistency enough to be able to mash them with a fork.
Food should never be blended in a blender or mixer, as this will cause the food to turn into a mush without consistency and lose fiber. To introduce meat, opt for minced meat with puree or natural tomato sauce and very soft, chopped chicken to make it easier for little ones to chew.
two. Assemble the child’s plate
The assembly of the dish must be done in the appropriate proportions for each food group, it is not necessary to start with just one group. However, offer one food at a time. For example, broccoli first, then meat and so on, so that the child can feel the texture of each.
3. How to offer water to your baby
Contrary to what many people think, children enter breastfeeding Exclusive should not drink water or liquids for up to 6 months. After this period water can be offered in 360 cups – these are cups without a spout, because the child does not know what to do with a rubber spout. It is useful because it simulates a normal glass, but without the risk of water leaking, and can be useful for trips and trips, given its practicality.
Transition cups are also an option. There are numerous models, those with a rigid spout, with a handle, without a strap and with a silicone spout. It is interesting to try several because the child may have difficulty accepting it from the beginning. Prefer those with a stiff nipple on breastfed babies to avoid confusion. It is important to let the little one explore different options to see which one is best suited to, this way the acceptance of water tends to be better.
4. Offer allergenic foods safely
The foods considered most allergenic for children are: milk, eggs, wheat, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish and seafood. The immunological window is, therefore, this period of food introduction.
You Food Allergens should be offered in a timely manner, from 6 months onwards, as there are studies showing that timely introduction of these foods in this age group reduces the risk of future allergies.
Remember if: When offering allergenic foods, special care must be taken. An excellent tip is to offer them one at a time and constitute the only new food of the day. Offer it more than once and observe the reactions, especially the immediate ones. If you experience allergic reactions such as redness of the skin, swelling of the ears and lips, immediate vomiting and respiratory symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
5. Coping with suffocation
One of the main fears of parents and guardians when they start introducing food is the gag that can occur in this process. Although it is difficult, the most important thing to do is to remain calm to deal with the situation. Furthermore, another crucial point is learning to distinguish whether it is a choke or a GAG.
GAG is normal and expected. This is a bodily reflex that expels food from the body to avoid choking. It resembles a pulse. The child spits out food that he cannot swallow. Choking occurs when there is food blocking the airway because it cannot be eliminated on its own. It can be partial, when there is an obstruction, but the child can still breathe, or total, when the airway is blocked. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.
To avoid choking, some precautions are necessary such as: never leave the child alone (it is important that he explores the food, but always with observation), avoid giving food cut into very small pieces, never force food into the child’s mouth , avoid giving round-shaped foods (since the airways are round and, in the event of suffocation, they can completely impede breathing, such as grapes, cherry tomatoes, etc.) and always sit the child with a straight spine.
Introduction to food is a new experience for children, where they explore the textures and flavors of food. It’s natural for them to get messy and dirty during this discovery process. At this time, patience and calm are very important for the child to adapt to this new phase of his life.
By Felipe Sá
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
