Guest Columnist
by
Aaron Jost, M.D.
MeritCare Pediatrician
Feeding your baby:
The first year
For new parents especially, feeding a baby during that first year can prompt many questions and sometimes a fair amount of stress, too. Three areas often asked about include breast-feeding, formula and the introduction of solid foods. One more area I like to emphasize is the key role parents play in teaching good eating patterns.
"Is it enough?"
A common concern among parents of breast-fed babies is whether or not they're getting enough. Certainly a baby's growth is an indication of adequate nutrition, but in each feeding, you'll see signs, too. In general, a baby should have six to nine feedings over a 24-hour period, with an average of 15 to 20 minutes per feeding. Physical cues that indicate the baby is getting enough include swallowing/slurping sounds and gas sounds in the stomach. Behavioral cues include pulling or pushing away, closing the mouth and something moms learn to recognize quickly: a content look.
Formula concerns
Parents who choose to use formula often ask if brand-name formula must be used or if the less expensive store brand is okay. My suggestion is go ahead and use the store brand. All formulas are tested equally by the FDA, so you can be assured the store brand is just as good as the name brand. I'm also asked about what kind of water to use in mixing the formula. If you live in a city or town, go ahead and use the water that comes from your tap. City or town water must undergo periodic testing, so even if the color or taste might be a bit off at times, it's still fine to use. And as far as customized formulas, there are many today including soy, whey versus casein, low iron and more. Unless your baby has been diagnosed by a medical provider as needing one of these, just the basic formula will meet the need.
When to begin solid foods
Nutritionally, solid foods are not needed until 6 months of age, but anywhere from 4 to 6 months old is a good time to begin. I think it's best to start with rice cereal, then add other types such as wheat or mixed grain. The most important thing is to make sure the cereal is iron-fortified because a baby's iron levels begin to drop in the first few months of life. Gradually add pureed fruits, veggies and meat. Be sure you continue to breast-feed or use formula, and you can begin water and juice, too. Keep in mind that very few babies like new textures in their mouths. The first time I fed cereal to our son, Ben, he made faces and clamped his mouth shut. If it's rejected the first time, take a breather and try again later.
Notice your own eating behaviors
With the increasing problem of obesity, it's more important than ever that children learn good eating patterns. As parents, you're their number-one teachers, so you'll want to pay attention to the eating behavior you're modeling. Good eating behavior includes following a routine, eating in response to hunger (not boredom or frustration), making mealtimes relaxed and uninterrupted and giving mealtime your undivided attention rather than eating while doing another activity such as watching TV.
Questions or concerns about your baby's nutrition? Your medical provider is a great source of information. Or, try one of these nutritionist-recommended books:
- "Child of Mine: Feeding With Love and Good Sense"
- "Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family"
- "Your Child's Weight: Helping Without Harming"
- "How to Get Your Kid to Eat… But Not Too Much"
Learn more about nutrition in the early years by calling (701) 234-3620 or (800) 437-4010 or visiting meritcare.com (keyword: feeding).
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