All children are special and they grow at their own pace. (Representational image: Shutterstock)
The health expert suggested starting one meal at a time. She also warned that the child may initially spit out the food before accepting the food.
Adequate nutrition is an integral part of the overall growth and development of the baby. The first few years of a baby are extremely important as optimum nutrition promotes better development during this period. All children are special and they grow at their own pace.
However, it is essential that the baby should know the right way of feeding for good health. Just like what a child eats is important, timing also plays an important role. Chief Nutritionist, Dr. Lata Shashi talks to HT Lifestyle and gives some tips to make baby food healthy. “When breast milk alone (or infant formula) is no longer sufficient for nutritional and developmental reasons, complementary feeding is required. Breastfeeding (only breast milk) is sufficient for a child up to 6 months of age. Mother Solid foods, supplemented with milk or complementary foods, should be gradually introduced into the infant’s diet. He further added that he mentioned that the ideal time to start complementary feeding is after 6 months.
The health expert suggested starting one meal at a time. She also warned that the child may initially spit out the food before accepting the food.
Tips you can follow:
- consistency is important
When you start giving supplements when you are six months old, go for a liquid consistency. As baby teeth develop, gradually make the food thicker in consistency. Introduce solid food to your child till the age of 1.5 years. - Say no to packaged and processed food
To develop taste and reduce the hassle of cooking, many parents start giving biscuits, chips, cold drinks and other processed foods to their children. They are harmful and can lead to obesity and other health problems at a young age. - continue to breastfeed for at least 2 years
Even after starting complementary feeding, a mother should breastfeed her baby regularly. As per MoHFW guidelines, a mother should breastfeed at least for the first 2 years of her life for proper physical and cognitive development. - Make your child’s bowl colorful
One can include a variety of vegetables and fruits in a child’s diet. This will not only make their bowls attractive, but will help them get maximum nutrients.
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