Nutrition suitable for children 6 months old

When the baby enters the 6th month, in addition to breast milk, the baby needs additional solid foods. So how do mothers need to plan on nutrition for 6-month-old children?

Before 6 months of age, even though the baby is heavily breastfed, he still seems hungry. Therefore, some mothers feed their babies with solids. So, is this job correct? Please refer to the following article to know more about you!

Does your baby need to eat anything other than milk?

Before your baby is 6 months old, you don't need to feed your baby anything other than breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, choose an infant formula for the first  6 months, unless your doctor recommends a different formula. The Health Ministry said it is best that you only feeding breast milk completely in the first 6 months. After this time, you should feed your baby more because breastmilk no longer provides enough nutrients for your baby, especially iron.

Although cereal has long been considered a popular snack food, it's not the only option. Other products like meat, fruits, vegetables or whole grains are all a good food source when your baby starts weaning as long as it is small, soft, and smooth. Meat is a good choice because it is high in iron, children will absorb this micronutrient better than in cereals.

Why wait up to 6 months to introduce solids?

To be safe, you should not offer foods other than breast milk until your baby is 6 months old. This way, your baby is less likely to:

Food poisoning because the baby's digestive system is more mature;

Food allergy  because then the baby's immune system is stronger.

If you feel your baby can eat solid foods before 6 months of age, don't rush to feed your baby more milk. If your baby is formula fed, talk to your doctor about another formula with more nutrients.

Usually, many people give their babies solid foods from 4 months old, by feeding them 1-2 teaspoons per day. When feeding your baby anything, parents need to pay attention to safety issues and eliminate foods that may cause allergies. Foods that are prone to allergies are:

Cow's milk and dairy products;

Anything that contains gluten;

Citrus fruits and juices;

Fish and shellfish;

Egg.

If you want to make sure your baby has eaten solid foods, talk to your doctor or a dietitian. This is especially important if your baby is born prematurely as the baby may have to eat solids at another time.

How to know your baby is ready to eat solids

By the time your baby is 6 months old, you can begin to realize a few factors that your baby is ready to start eating solid foods:

The baby still looks hungry after getting enough milk;

Your baby is gaining weight slowly;

Babies want to chew and put toys and other objects in their mouths;

Your baby shows interest in what you are eating and wants to take it into her mouth.

Try a new food each time and wait a few days before you try something else. This will help you determine if your baby has a food allergy and discover more of the tastes he likes. You may be anxious to see your baby constantly putting everything in his mouth. So always be observant, do not let your baby put anything sharp and dangerous in the mouth.

Hope this article has provided you with lots of useful information. Wish your baby grow up quickly!