STEP-BY-STEP SUPPLY

STARTING FEEDING - WHEN TO START AND WHAT WE MIGHT NEED

All parents eagerly await the period of complementary feeding, which is an important stage in the baby's life. However, excitement is quickly replaced by initial uncertainty: How do we get started? What do we offer the baby first? What happens if he doesn't like it? How much should you "eat"? ... the questions and fears keep coming.

It can really cause a lot of confusion, especially as a beginner parent, since it is a relatively "big bite" when it comes to the topic.

Before we start, it is worth reading up and talking to the appropriate professionals (nurse, pediatrician, dietician) so that we have a basic "knowledge" that we can (more or less) apply in practice.

After we have acquired the general knowledge, we will have more questions, but let's trust ourselves and the baby, as his signs and level of development will be the authority on how to start.

Breast milk provides the baby with the most suitable nutrition for the first six months. After that, complementary feeding begins, which means that in addition to the main food - which is still breast milk or, in its absence, formula - your baby will also be introduced to solid foods.

You get to know new ingredients, foods, and meals, along with new tastes, textures, colors, and smells.

As the name suggests, ADDITIONAL feeding does not mean that from this moment on the baby only and exclusively consumes solid food, but that we introduce the new ingredients in addition to the breast milk or formula that has been consumed up to that point , since this is initially it will be a small amount that would not even cover your child's daily energy and nutrient needs.

However, nutrition is not only about the appropriate intake of energy and nutrients, but also about the baby being exposed to new stimuli, which develops its digestive system, brain, immune system, bones, and muscles.

In order to be able to ensure healthy nutrition, after answering 3 basic questions, let's get into this wonderful , but sometimes hair-raising period.

1. WHEN DO WE START?

2. HOW DOES THE BABY EAT? (WHICH METHOD SHOULD WE USE?)

3. WHAT SHOULD WE GIVE HIM? (WHEN AND WHAT SHOULD WE INTRODUCE?)

1. There is no exact answer as to when to start, since every baby develops at a different rate and is ready for this "change", and although according to the literature, it should be after 4 months at the earliest , i.e. entering the 5th month, and at the latest It is necessary to start complementary feeding at the end of 6 months of age , it is worth consulting with the nurse and the pediatrician before this, since they are the ones who know the baby from birth, apart from the parents.

Why not start earlier than the 5th month?

This is because at around this age of 5-6 months, the baby's digestive system is ready to process food other than breast milk/formula. In addition, his movement development also starts to rapidly jump around this time , thereby increasing his energy demand . In addition to the energy used for movement, this extra energy also contributes to the development of the brain (after all, more than half of the energy is used by the brain), and around the age of 6 months, the baby's iron stores are depleted, which must be replaced , since iron contributes to learning. , also for the development of language skills, attention and memory. The risk of developing food allergies increases as a result of supplementary feeding started earlier than recommended . Supplemental feeding started later than recommended can lead to weight gain and weight loss , as the baby no longer gets enough nutrients exclusively from breast milk/food.

During feeding, the baby has to learn a lot of new things, such as how to move his tongue up and down, right and left, how to swallow mushy, later chunky foods. How to bite, chew, how to hold a spoon, snacks.

There are babies who feast deliciously after 1-2 times, and some need even 10-15 times to get used to the new texture and taste. You have to be patient, but as time progresses, as the baby swallows, bites, and chews more and more skillfully, feeding will become enjoyable, and he will reject or even spit out the morsel placed in his mouth less and less often.

What are the signs that your baby is ready to start feeding?

• He can hold his neck and head stably, and he can sit stably with help.
• He shows an interest in food: we can observe this best when we notice that he is paying attention during a meal together and reaches for our food, opens his mouth when we approach him with a bite or the spoon.
• He does not push the offered food out of his mouth with his tongue.
• "Nimming" and chewing movements can be observed.
• He can take objects from one hand to the other, he can lift them towards his mouth, so his eye-hand coordination works.
• He can push himself up while lying on his stomach and support himself with an outstretched arm.

If the signs are correct and we consider that the baby is ready, let's start.

But HOW? What method should we use?

2. What is certain is that no two babies are the same, and no two families are the same. Everyone needs to experience what method and pace works best for both baby and mother.

Puree feeding means that we start with the introduction of mushy, pureed foods, offered with a spoon, and gradually move on to offering chunky foods.

How does this look in practice: for the initial offers, approx. we offer the baby with honey-like pastes/purées, which can be fruit or vegetables. The desired consistency can be diluted with breast milk or, if it is not available, with formula. As the baby gets better, the consistency of the puree can become thicker, so the extra liquid can be omitted.

Once the baby is used to the thicker purees, soft snacks may appear, which the baby can take in his hands. Do not mix the snacks into the pureed food under any circumstances, as the baby can easily swallow it. We offer chunky food alongside, thus avoiding gagging, possible vomiting, and the retention of a bad experience.

When the baby reaches for the chunky food, it is not certain that he will immediately put it in his mouth, in fact, he will not be able to bite or chew it right away. Let's show him how to master it. That's why it's important to have meals together.

What kind of snacks do we offer? For example, bananas, avocados, peaches, steamed broccoli, carrots, which are approx. Cut it 1-2 fingers thick and 1-2 baby fists long so that the baby can hold it. It is possible that at first he will just push it around in his hands, or just push it, or throw it on the ground, but this should be left to him to get to know the food. There is no reason to worry, as he will continue to consume a large amount of pureed food, so his stomach will not be empty.

Why is adding puree good?

• he gets to know the textures gradually, step by step, (from thin, pasty food to solid food), there is less risk of gagging and swallowing, and the baby and the kitchen stay cleaner.
• quantities are more measurable
• we can also find pulpy food on store shelves, in the form of baby food

What could be its disadvantages?

• if we offer the baby only mushy food for a long time (up to the age of 10-12 months), it will be much more difficult for the baby to acquire the ability to chew, which is best learned by the baby at the age of 8-9 months
• you can't eat at the same time, so the baby doesn't have a model of how to eat independently
  
  

BLW (baby led weaning), i.e. baby-led weaning , or also known as snack feeding , which means that we skip pureed foods and offer the baby solid foods from the family's meals from the beginning . The baby eats independently, the parent does not feed, but is present.

Of course, healthy ingredients and appropriate food preparation techniques are still necessary for this, because if the baby is snacking on the family's food, some small changes may be necessary (e.g. seasoning, size of snacks, age-appropriate ingredients).

Why is BLW good?

• no need to puree, no need to cook several kinds
• the family can eat at the same time
• the baby becomes independent in eating sooner
• the baby is in control, he decides on the amounts and when enough is enough

What should we pay attention to?

• the baby should be able to sit, as this is a basic condition for eating chunky foods
• for the right consistency, shape, size, because if these are not right, the baby will not have a sense of success (and neither will we),
• because of the former, iron deficiency can develop more easily, and the amount may not be sufficient for the baby's weight development
• the dining table and its surroundings will probably be more smeared and crumbly than expected - so let's be prepared mentally that even though we saved time by cooking, we won't get away with cleaning

The two methods can also be combined, which means that we offer the pureed food with a spoon, and we also put pieces of food in front of the baby , which he can pinch independently.

Why is it good?

• more measurable quantities, in addition to which the baby can freely try both snacking and independent eating
• pureed foods make it easier to provide iron-rich foods or foods that are a little harder to chew

3. WHEN WHAT SHOULD WE GIVE HIM?

Whichever method we decide on, it is worth timing the introduction of the new ingredient for the morning (and weekday) hours , so that possible stomachaches, allergic reactions, and sensitivities do not "reveal" in the evening hours. It is also worth waiting 3-4 days between the introduction of the next new ingredient , also in order to find out if it causes any complaints in the baby.

After replacing the morning (ten o'clock) meal, lunch can follow (up to the age of approx. 8 months) , followed by a snack. It is not recommended to switch between breakfast and dinner until the age of 1 year , as the baby needs 500 ml of breast milk or, if it is not available, formula a day until the age of 1 year. Breastfeeding can be continued even after the age of 1, as long as the baby (and mother) needs it .

There are no specific guidelines for the order of introduction of raw materials, which are set in stone and must be followed. But it might be worthwhile to think about what kind of food to start building the baby's diet based on the suggestions below.
Of course, we can follow feeding tables, which can be a crutch for us, but after thinking about the ingredients available in our country, we will be able to decide what is worth offering to our child first.

• As mentioned above, the prepared food should initially contain only one ingredient , which can be diluted with breast milk/formula to achieve the right consistency, if necessary.
• Try not to offer the baby food with a very intense taste (their sense of taste is quite different anyway, much more intense than that of adults - the fact that it might not taste like "no taste" to us does not mean that it is not tasty enough for them).
• It is important not to use salt or sugar when preparing food , to leave the food in its natural taste. Excessive salt consumption burdens the kidneys, while excessive sugar intake results in the development of many other diseases, e.g. diabetes, obesity. Green spices can be safely used from the age of 7-8 months. If we want to prepare a meal for the whole family using one ingredient, it is worth finishing the baby's in a different dish, if we want to flavor the portion of the adults and older children.
• While protecting the baby's digestive system, try to choose raw materials that are not too burdensome. Then, too, as his age progresses, we can offer foods that are increasingly "difficult" to digest.
• Due to the depletion of the already mentioned iron stores, it is worth offering iron-rich foods to the baby as soon as possible . What could these be? For example, beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, spinach, sorrel, as well as red meat and liver.
• If the start of complementary feeding falls on the winter period, it is more difficult to provide fresh fruits/vegetables to the baby so that his diet is varied, so it is worth thinking about freezing small portions of seasonal ingredients for the baby already in the summer.
• Some raw materials are not recommended under a certain age : such, for example, cow's milk , which can be offered as an independent drink after 1, and now 2-3 years of age. Honey is also not recommended for children under 1 year of age, as it can cause botulism (food poisoning, which can even lead to paralysis). Due to the high nitrate content of beets, it is also recommended around 11-12 months of age, not in very large quantities.
• The consumption of raw eggs, raw fish, moldy cheeses, smoked goods, sugary, high salt content and caffeine containing foods is also not recommended . We should try to keep our children away from convenience products for as long as possible, but it is inevitable that they will consume them one day.
• Regarding the introduction of allergens, it is important not to offer him any of the most common allergy-causing foods before he is 6 months old , as this may increase the development of later allergies. What are these foods? : cow's milk, wheat, eggs, fish, seafood, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, soy . If you experience any symptoms, be it diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash, stomach pain, etc. consult with your pediatrician. However, it is essential that the baby meets as many raw materials as possible before the age of 1, in order to reduce the chance of developing an allergy.
• Follow the 3-day rule: do not give the baby a new raw material for 3 days after the introduced raw material , thus filtering out possible allergic reactions.
  
  

There are babies with bigger appetites, and some who almost nip, yet they develop nicely and at a steady pace. Consult a doctor if you feel that you have no appetite, and if your weight has been stagnant for a long time, or if you start to lose weight.

The table below shows the recommended quantities, but of course, if your baby decides to eat more of the given food, feel free to continue offering it to him . The frequency also depends on the baby - there are babies whose mother can replace 3 full meals already in the 7th month.

However, the amount of breast milk / formula is essential, as you must provide your baby with 500 ml until the age of 12 months, so calculate the amount of meals in this way.

There will also be days when your baby is fussy, has a pain, is teething... on these days, it is possible that he will eat less than expected or almost not at all. Don't worry, after he gets over it (1-2 days), he'll be snacking enthusiastically again.

Fluid consumption:

As long as we feed our baby exclusively with breast milk or, in the absence of this, with formula, no other liquid is needed . However, when additional feeding begins, as breastfeeding decreases, fluid consumption will play an increasingly important role , the best source of which is water . We hear from many grandparents and older acquaintances that we should give the baby tea and fruit juice - but there is no need for these. After all, these only satiate the baby's tummy, and he gets more used to the sweet taste.

What kind of water should it be? You can buy bottled water specially for babies , which must be consumed 24 hours after opening, or then boiled and cooled to give to the baby. We can also provide tap water (boiled and then cooled) , which may be worth checking, especially if the settlement's water network is old and outdated.

In addition to water, we can sometimes also offer baby drinks , which are important not to contain added sugar , artificial colors , or preservatives .

If we have already mentioned baby drinks, it is also worth talking about baby food:

We can also divide the camp of parents into two groups on this topic: baby food or home-made vegetables.

Why is baby food good?

• after purchase, you only need to heat it up, no peeling, cutting, cooking, or blending.
• in an unexpected situation, during a trip, or when the family goes to a restaurant, we can easily take it out
• the addition of fresh vegetables and fruits that started in the fall/winter is a bit incomplete. Thus, if we did not use the method already recommended above, i.e. we did not freeze seasonal ingredients in the summer, then baby food can come in handy due to the smaller selection of raw materials.
• their composition is appropriate - it contains the right nutrients adapted to the baby's age
• they have a long expiration date

What could be the downside?

• the price
• we produce a lot of waste with it (try to recycle the empty bottles or place them in the corresponding waste container)
• the baby may find it more difficult to accept your cooking later

Of course, we do no harm with baby foods, as they do not contain any substances that could be dangerous for your baby, the raw materials come from controlled farming and do not contain chemical residues.

Some people prefer this because of convenience, or because they don't like to bake or cook in the kitchen. Everyone has the right to decide how to implement healthy nutrition for their young child, because this can be solved both with store-bought and home-made baby food

After we have acquired the basic knowledge, it is worth looking around our kitchen, so that when the "big day" arrives, we are not standing there without a stick blender/grater with an apple in our hand, saying "we will start feeding it now anyway."

We will also need some tools for food preparation, freezing, portioning, as well as feeding and eating. It is worth using a separate dish sponge for the baby's tableware, and a separate board, knife, wooden spoon, and dish for processing the raw materials.


What will be needed for supplementation?

- Bibs: this can be a traditional-tying or modern, plastic type with a hem at the bottom, maybe a piece with a tuck-in and sleeves, the main thing is to get at least 2-3 changes, because the first period is very patchy .

• Our soft silicone baby bibs have a useful pocket for collecting food scraps. Thanks to their design, they can be easily put on, and the multi-stage closure ensures comfortable wear.

- Feeding spoons / Practicing spoons: it is also worth buying at least 3-4 of these, mainly because the baby will probably ask for at least one, but maybe more. Thus, you will definitely need 2-3 spoons for one feeding.

• Our soft-headed, lightweight and easy-to-use silicone spoons are perfect for introducing solid foods. Thanks to its soft material, it does not harm the baby's teeth and gums.
  

- Bowls and plates: it is also worth buying a couple of these, both in terms of deep and flat plates . They should be easy to clean and unbreakable, as babies like to knock the bowls off the table or knock them out of the parent's hands. Depending on whether you use a microwave oven or a dishwasher, this can also be a factor in your choice.

• Our non-slip silicone baby tableware can be cleaned in the dishwasher without stains. They can be fixed stably with the help of a suction cup at the bottom of the plate, so you can expect less mess.

In addition to acquiring the right tools, it is important to have a lot of patience and be persistent, as not every meal will be like a fairy tale.

Sometimes it takes 10-15 times for the baby to get used to the new food. A "good eater" child will also have a bad day, his teeth and stomach may hurt, and he may refuse his favorite food, knock the spoon and even the plate out of your hand.

When we see that the baby turns its head, does not open its mouth, do not be violent and do not be discouraged. Let's try to offer him the same at the next meal.

• It is important that meals take place in a calm, intimate environment

• If possible, eat at the same table with the baby (even before the start of feeding), setting an example for him: he will model the "art" of spooning, eating with his hands, biting, chewing, and drinking from us.

• It is important that we adults also eat as varied and healthy as possible, since we cannot expect our children to eat a lot of vegetables and fruits if we eat donuts for breakfast.

This is a kind of health education, which should be started at the time of feeding, because if you get to know a variety of raw materials and food as a child, there is a greater chance that you will eat versatile as an adult.

Don't be sad if you try everything at first and then suddenly refuse some of your favorite vegetables. There will be periods like this, but you have to get over it and try again after a few days/weeks. That is why it is important that when your child is having a bad day, do not offer new flavors or start giving chunky foods. If he repeatedly asks for breast milk or prefers to accept formula on these days, provide it for him, so respect his needs.

• Let's try to create a system from the beginning. There should be no extra small meals or snacks between the 5 meals, as this can take away from the important nutrients provided by the main meals.
• Do not reward or punish/threaten them with food and meals.
• There are no bad or good foods. The point is moderation and variety.
• Also, if we don't like something (e.g. broccoli), don't express our dislike in front of the child, because broccoli might be one of his favorites. But if we say "blow", it is certain that He will not be happy to continue eating it either.

Supplementation is not that complicated after all, it just seems like it because we want the best for our child. Let's try to think about feeding the baby as lightly as we think about our own meals. Let's listen to his needs and signals and trust our own intuition, just as we did in the first 6 months of the baby.

If you get stuck, ask a professional for help.