There is so much information available on feeding baby in the first year it can be overwhelming. Here is the short course on what you need to know.
Many new moms worry about sorting out their baby’s diet, and making sure the baby is getting enough to eat. Because that little scooja-mooja can’t talk, mom’s feel like they’ll never know when baby is full. But, don’t worry; it’s not as difficult as you think.
Breast or Bottle
For the first five or six months of life, your baby will be on a purely liquid diet. You’ll need to decide if you’ll breastfeed or bottle feed. Nutritionally, breast milk is best. There are nutrients in breast milk that support brain development in a way that formula cannot. Breast milk is well tolerated by babies, rarely causes gastric problems, and typically prevents your baby from being overweight.
Timing of Feedings
If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll likely be feeding baby every 2 ½ to 3 hours to start. Yet, every baby is different and there are times when babies feed more frequently. Ask your doctor if he or she recommends baby eat on a baby-led schedule or on a modified-schedule. For first time moms, keeping a journal of feeding times is super helpful. Note the time baby started to eat and the time baby stopped eating. The time between feedings is marked from the end of feeding one to the beginning of feeding two. So if you fed your baby from 6:00 am to 6:45 am baby may be hungry again by 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Even though every baby differs, generally you will not go longer than four hours between feedings. By baby number two or three you’ll have the hang of it and there’ll be no time for journals. You'll just pull out that breast or bottle like a pro, then you can smile cause you thought you'd never get the hang of it and now you're ready to teach a University course on feeding baby.
Knowing When Baby is Hungry or Full
If baby is crying out for a feeding, she may be too hungry, you may wish to feed at the initial stirrings and murmurings; try not to wait for the full-fledged wail. Baby is usually full when he or she turns away from the bottle or breast. This may also be a sign of a need to burp and then more eating will ensue. Consult with a lactation coach, The La Leche League or your local hospital about feeding positions, draining both breasts, hindmilk and other important practical information, you'll want to know in the first year of life. In Babyhood, Penelope Leach has an excellent section on nutritional needs based on baby weight, it is a must read for first-time parents.
Another marker to judge whether or not your child is getting enough to eat is how many wet and dirty diapers are produced each day. Speak with your doctor about guidelines relevant to your specific baby.
Formula Choices
If you choose to put your baby on formula, your doctor will help you choose which kind is best for your baby. There are lots of different kinds of formula on the market. Most doctors have an order in which they recommend formula, from partially digested protein formulas to more fully digested protein formulas. Some moms have favorites as well, do your research, note how baby responds to the different formulas, and be patient. If your baby’s system is sensitive, you may have to try several before you find just the right one.
There are also many bottles on the market. Some moms swear by Dr. Brown’s while others still use the old fashioned Gerber bottles. Remember many of the cosmetic changes in bottles are for marketing sake not for the health of baby, so offer baby a bottle, see if baby swallows easily from the bottle, check to see if specific bottles help ease baby gas and monitor if baby burps easily and is comfortable. If baby has difficulty, try a different bottle or nipple until you find the one that your baby eats easily from.
Starting Solids
At around five or six months of age, your doctor will advise you to begin feeding solids. Don’t expect too much; at those first few feedings you and baby will wear far more than she’ll eat. But, she’ll get the hang of it. Some bigger babies are ready for rice, barley or purees at four months. Here are some of the foods your doctor may recommend for starters.
Rice, Barley, Mixed Grain or Oat Cereal –This baby cereal is mixed with formula or breast milk. It is easily tolerated and you can make it as thin as you like for those first meals. Serve it from a spoon, do not put cereal in bottles.
Organic Yogurt – Many babies love plain, unsweetened yogurt, and it is a very healthy first food. If your baby doesn’t like it, try yogurt with fruit mixed in. Be sure that whatever you buy is low in sugar.
Yellow Vegetables – Mild yellow vegetables like squash, carrots and sweet potatoes are good starters.
Mild Fruits – Applesauce, bananas, peaches and pears are all good choices, and babies love them.
Resources
Enjoy Top 100 Baby Purees: 100 Quick and Easy Meals for a Healthy and Happy Baby by Annabel Karmel for great tips and recipes. Parents.com, Babyworld.co.uk, and Earthsbest.com also have useful information about feeding baby.
As your baby grows, their eating habits and preferences will change many times. These first foods are important, but they’re just the beginning! Have fun, this period doesn't last long and you'll remember it fondly.
