CHOOSING TO BOTTLE-FEED
While recognizing the
benefits of breastfeeding, many women have
valid reasons for opting to bottle-feed
their babies. In some cases, there are
specific medical circumstances that prevent
a woman from breastfeeding. In other cases,
it is a matter of personal choice.
Some of the benefits of
bottle-feeding include:
-
Knowing how much food the
baby is getting
-
Not having to worry about
your diet or medications that might
affect the milk
-
Ability for someone other
than mom to feed the baby
Formula feeding is
substantially more costly than
breastfeeding, and this should be taken into
consideration when deciding whether or not
to bottle-feed.
INTRODUCING SOLID FOODS
Between the fourth and six
month of a baby’s life, you may begin adding
solid foods to his diet. Prior to this age,
he should exclusively receive either breast
milk or formula. A baby that is ready to
begin solids will display the following
behaviors:
- Interest in what
other people are eating
- Ability to hold head
upright
- Tongue-thrust reflex
has disappeared. You can test this by
placing a spoon gently into the mouth. A
baby that isn’t ready to start solids
will push the spoon out
- Increased activity
If your baby is ready to
begin solids, you can begin at any feeding.
However, it may be a good idea to start when
your baby is alert and in a good mood. To
minimize the chances of choking, make sure
to place your baby either in your lap or in
an infant seat. Use a small spoon for
feeding, and prepare for your baby to spit
out most of the food. Your baby may look
confused or disturbed by the new tastes and
textures but soon will ease into the
transition.
The most common first baby
food is rice cereal. But, you also can begin
with a pureed fruit or vegetable. Start with
just a teaspoonful or two per meal, until he
gets used to swallowing foods. Make sure to
introduce one food at a time with a two to
three day wait between starting another
food. This will allow you to watch for any
potential food allergy or intolerance.
Once your baby is sitting
up unassisted, you can begin introducing
finger foods. Make sure that anything you
give him is soft and cut into small pieces.
Well- cooked pieces of vegetables or fruit
are ideal choices for finger foods. There is
no reason to salt or season a baby’s food.
Their taste buds are extremely sensitive.
At about six months of
age, you can begin placing your baby in a
highchair for feedings. This is a great time
for you to introduce your baby to family
meal times.
FOOD INTOLERANCES AND ALLERGIES
Food intolerances and
allergies affect many babies and children,
and can cause serious discomfort and in some
cases life-threatening reactions. During the
first year of life, the most common
allergens are soy and cow’s milk that are
both found in infant formula. Symptoms may
include diarrhea, intestinal bloating, and
vomiting. Fortunately, most babies who are
allergic to soy and/or milk products will
outgrow the allergy by 18 months to two
years.
Other foods that are known
to cause allergic reactions include peanuts,
tree nuts, shellfish, and berries. Often
times, allergies to these foods are severe.
The most severe allergic response is called
an anaphylactic reaction that can result in
wheezing, hives, and airway constriction.
This type of reaction is extremely serious,
often requiring emergency medical help.
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