How to feed a baby?

Feeding a baby, whether it is a newborn baby or a toddler, is a challenging task. We always do not know if they are hungry or not. Also, it will depend on if you are breastfeeding the baby or bottle-feeding them. You need to understand a few factors before and during feeding them.

Every child needs nutritious meals throughout the day to grow and become stronger. This is the stage where they grow quicker. In this article, we will be discussing a few tips on feeding a baby according to his or her age.

Birth time to 3-4 months of age

This is a very sensitive time for your baby. You will have to understand when your baby is hungry, make a schedule to adjust the timings. At this age, you are only allowed to breastfeed the baby. When your baby is full, he or she will automatically stop feeding. 

Feed your baby at an interval of 3 hours. Make sure they do not go for longer than 3 hours without feeding. Hence, you will need to breastfeed 8-9 times a day. No water should be given during this stage. 

4-6 months of age

At this point of age, your baby’s digestive system is trying to adapt. So only breastfeeding won’t be enough. Your baby will need baby food along with breast milk. 

By this time, you should have an average idea of how much milk or baby food your baby may need. If not, then you can start with one teaspoon of the baby food and mix it with 4-5 teaspoons of warm water for a light meal. Mix it with breast milk if you want a heavy meal. In 2-3 months, increase the baby food amount as per the requirement but never overfeed the baby.

6-12 months of age

You can shift to solid foods at this stage. Also, breast milk is still one of the most vital sources of nutrition, but it is not enough. The growing needs of the baby must be fulfilled. Your baby will learn to chew a little bit, so you can feed him or her properly squashed sweet potatoes or healthy fruits like bananas.

 Know the proper amount by consulting a pediatrician. Solid food like sweet potatoes or even mashed rice mixed with some vegetable is enough for your baby. The doctor will tell you the amount that your baby can digest and the appropriate fruits that are beneficial.

When your baby is ten months+, try feeding more protein such as beans, fish, and other vegetables as well. Make sure the baby consumes vegetables every day. Start with one new food item at a time, don’t mix up all at once. Make sure the baby can digest one item, then mix another and keep going.

Limitations of feeding

Eating less is always better than overeating. You should always know the amount your baby needs to be fed. They will always say no to food, but this does not always mean they are full. Also, it does not mean that you will always forcefully make them eat when they are full. 

If you are bottling your breast milk to store it in the refrigerator, make sure to warm it a little before you feed it to the baby. Heating the milk in a microwave may lead to uneven temperatures. This can burn the baby’s mouth. If the bottle is out of the refrigerator for more than an hour, then do not use that milk.

How you should feed your baby

The feeding process of a baby changes over time. They grow up quickly, and after a stage, breastmilk is not enough. Start giving baby foods of different brands mixed with milk or water. After six months, your baby can drink water as well. When you are first introducing solid foods to your baby, they will eat that easily because of the new taste. 

Mixing it with vegetables will enhance their immune system and help to grow better. Please take the appropriate amount of food and increase it gradually. However, remember that the taste pallet of every baby is different.

Feeding a baby is one of the toughest jobs of a parent. Also, it can be quite dangerous if you are not cautious enough when the baby is very sensitive and fragile. You need to consider factors, including age, food amount, digestive capacity, taste pallet, and food type.

 They may vomit a little, but that is normal for every baby. Make sure to go through our article to find out what and how you should feed your baby at different times.