From about 7-8 months, mothers start to practice feeding the baby raw with many different foods instead of only milk, dilute porridge ... This stage is extremely important, forming the baby's love for food, avoid anorexia, fussy eating. Here are 5 basic principles mothers need to remember to stimulate taste, help baby eat better.
In fact, many children who are 2-4 years old still eat porridge and pureed food every day. This is because mothers think that raw food affects baby's stomach early. However, according to experts, long-term puree eating puts your baby at risk of stomach upset. Because the food is not mixed with enzymes, the stomach does not release digestive juices. Over time, the baby has indigestion, stomach pain. Ideally about 7, 8 months old, mothers should practice feeding the baby raw. Here are 5 principles to make the journey of raw feeding fun and easy.
Cooked, steamed fruits and vegetables are ideal at the beginning
In the early stages of feeding the baby raw, mothers should feed the baby with steamed or simmered vegetables. This type of food helps babies get used to chewing with gums, baby teeth. Eating plenty of vegetables also supports the digestive system to work effectively.
When preparing, the mother cuts the pieces long enough for the child to hold and chew by themselves. If the baby's teeth and gums are weak, the mother can boil and steam soft foods that are easy to chew. Gradually, the mother will shorten the cooking time, do not let it be too soft. In particular, in the process of preparing baby food, seasoning should not be used.
Vegetables are good for the baby's digestive system
One advice for mom is to change the vegetable menu often. Oyster, carrot, pumpkin, cove bean, corn ... are ideal choices. Every day, mothers can use one type or mix many types to stimulate the baby's taste buds. Besides, in this way, babies also gradually learn to recognize food through color and taste.
Adjust the number of meals accordingly
When babies first eat raw, there will be symptoms such as indigestion, bloating. Mom does not need to worry too much about this, just adjust the number of meals. In the first phase, the mother should feed her baby 2 meals / day, lunch and dinner. Ideally a savory meal and a fruit meal. You can also feed your baby two salty meals, with lots of vegetables. From the 8th month, when the baby's digestive system gets used to the food, the mother feeds the baby fish, shrimp, crab, and chicken ...
Let your baby eat the food you like
Do not try to cram foods that mothers think are good for babies. This easily makes the baby lose appetite, grumpy, push the food away. Instead, mothers can let their babies choose the foods they like. For the dishes that the mother is not interested in, do not impatiently force the baby. Or if your baby refuses to eat , let him rest and play. Because at this stage, the main food of the baby is breast milk, so the demand for meals is not too high.
Children will eat better if they are "in control" in their meals
While practicing to feed your baby raw, you need to pay attention to what foods you like and dislike. Try them again a few weeks later to see how your baby reacts. From there, mothers can increase the foods they love to eat. At the same time, find ways to let your baby eat the foods he pushed out if the foods are really good.
Practice for the baby to eat raw with the family
This is an effective raw feeding practice rule that many mothers often ignore. Eating with family and parents will stimulate autonomy in eating and drinking. The atmosphere of the meal also makes the baby feel more excited and excited. Parents can try a food and show its appetite, the baby will be curious and want to try it.
Practicing raw food properly will help your baby form a love for food, avoid picky eating later
However, not always feeding a baby with the family is successful. In many cases, the baby will fuss and refuse to eat his portion. At this point, the mother should take the baby away from the table to avoid distractions. Sometimes, sitting alone helps your child concentrate on enjoying the food in front of him.
Don't be shy if your baby likes adult food
Adult dishes often appeal to a child's curiosity, making them want to try. So, in family meals, you should increase the green vegetables, fruits ... At the same time, limit the seasoning to taste a lot of MSG, additives ... so that your child can eat if you like. Baby is similar to the dish on the parents' tray. Thus, the child does not feel the difference, easily integrates with the family and eats more.
Those are the 5 basic principles that mothers can apply when practicing raw foods for babies. If the mother stimulates her child's interest in food from the beginning, then in the future, the baby's eating will be much easier.
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