Introducing food without mistakes: how and when to do it?

At least until the sixth month the baby does not need anything other than breast milk. But then?

OR breast milk It is the best way to feed a baby. And, in the first months of life, it must also be the only foodbarring exceptional health problems of the mother or the child. But, after a while, it is inevitable: the time comes food introductiona phase that usually generates many doubts in parents.

After all, how can we make this transition so important for the future of the child? What precautions should be taken and what is the role of breastfeeding in this process? Below, we explain all this a little more.

When and how to introduce food

“The introduction of food should only be started after the sixth month of life“, explains pediatrician Raquel Dutra, of the Angelina Caron Hospital, in Paraná. This threshold occurs because it is generally at this time that the child develops the so-called signals of readinesssuch as the ability to hold the head still and sit without support.

Six months is a general rule, but it does not mean that this time will be the same for all children: the introduction of food should only be started after an evaluation by the pediatricianwhich confirms that it is the right time to do it without risks.

As for how to introduce food, there are two main methods:

• Traditional method: foods are initially offered in the form of paste, with the help of a spoon, and the consistency gradually progresses;
• BLW Method: solid foods are offered directly into the baby’s mouth, with the correct cut and consistency which must be defined with the help of the pediatrician and nutritionist;

“The most important thing is not the method, but the learning that the child will develop with this first contact,” Dutra emphasizes. “He will develop his sense of taste, his skills, he will differentiate textures and he will learn to manipulate food in his mouth. This is the most important thing.”

Should I be careful about allergies?

“We should not stop offering food for fear of allergies, since at this stage the child is still alive. immunological window“, the doctor emphasizes. The main thing to pay attention to is to administer small portions of potentially allergenic foods – and to keep a careful observation of the child after ingestion.

The priority is to always offer fresh food, with a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, and Never give artificially sweetened foods. Honey should also be avoided.

Always count on the support of a pediatrician in all phases of introducing foods and to resolve the unexpected events that may occur in this process. “The pediatrician advises on the signs of allergies and what to do if they occur,” reinforces Raquel.

How is breastfeeding going?

Even with the introduction of food underway, Breastfeeding should continue normally. The basis of the baby’s diet continues to be breast milk.

At first, the baby ingests a very small amount of food, unable to provide the necessary nourishment to sustain him. As time passes, the amount of food consumed increases and the need for milk naturally tends to decrease. But this is a slow and gradual process and there is no need to rush it!

Source: Terra

Ben

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.