One of the many things parents worry about with newborns is food. Eating habits will start to dictate your day as you adapt to a routine which works for both of you. During this time there will be a lot of trial and error, so try to stay positive and remember what works for one child might not work for another.
In this post, we have put together some useful tips on the ideal newborn child diet and ways to make the process easier for mom.
To Breast Feed or Not to Breastfeed?
Feeding offers parents an excellent opportunity to bond with their baby, no matter whether you choose to breastfeed or use formula.
For some parents, this decision will have been made long before the arrival of the baby. For others, the decision may have been made after trying different methods. There is lots of evidence that breastfeeding has advantages over formula, but that doesn’t mean that choosing to bottle feed your baby will have adverse effects on their health.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to what works best for you as a mother and for your baby. Some mothers try breastfeeding and don’t like it, while others wouldn’t even consider bottle feeding. Both methods will provide emotional and nutritional support, so the best advice we can give you is to persevere with whichever way you choose.
When Should I Feed My Baby?
For the first three months, breastmilk or formula will provide all the nutrition your baby needs, so you just need to make sure you always have a ready supply, especially when you go out.
Each child will have a different schedule and will let you know when they are hungry. Generally, a baby will feed every two to three hours, but there may be times when they don’t want to, which isn’t a cause for panic. Over time you will learn to trust your instincts and spot the signs that your baby is ready for feeding.
When Should I Add New Foods?
From about four months onwards, you start adding single grain cereals to their diet. Then add pureed fruit after they reach the six-month mark. After this, you can start introducing new foods such as pureed vegetables, small amounts of meat, and later on finger foods.
Try to introduce a variety of textures and colors from an early stage so that your baby can explore different foods. Again, they will let you know if they don’t approve.
In all cases, these timescales are just guidelines and may not be suitable for your baby, so you should ask your pediatrician about their recommendations during newborn checks.