Proper nutrition plays a big role in the lives of every baby and their parents. There are many concerns surrounding nutrition, so it might be overwhelming for parents to take care of all of them. What type of formula should you choose? How often should you feed your baby? When is it time to introduce solids? You are likely to have a ton of questions about nutrition, and this guide will answer some of them, so make sure to read it carefully!
Listen to your baby’s signals
If your baby is hungry, they will show you. The same will happen if your baby is full. Don’t wait for your baby to start crying to feed them — instead, learn how to detect early hunger cues, and focus on finding them instead of sticking with the strict schedule.
Choose the right formula
If you decide to feed your baby with formula, finding the right one is crucial. There are tons of options available, but not all of them would be a good choice. First, you need to think about your baby’s needs and allergies (if there are any), and eliminate certain types of formula that might not be appropriate for your little one. Check the list of infant formula ingredients for every formula you consider using, and make sure to read the reviews before giving it to your baby.
Don’t introduce solids too soon
Always look for signs of readiness before giving any solids to your baby. There is no need to rush, especially if your little one still can’t sit up without your support, has a tongue-thrust reflex, and doesn’t have good coordination. Don’t hurry — it’s always best to take your time. And when it is the right time for solids, start with something light, such as organic baby oatmeal or mashed veggies.
Monitor the weight gain
One of the best ways to see if your little one is getting enough food is to check the baby’s weight. Your baby might lose a couple of ounces for the first weeks of their lives, but after that, they will start to slowly gain more weight. When that happens, start writing down the weight changes every week. This will especially come in handy during the next doctor’s visit!
Frequency is important
Your baby must be fed every 1-4 hours, depending on their age and needs. In other words, feeding has to take place at least 8 times per 24 hours. Your baby will eat less once they grow up a little bit, but you will still need to watch them closely to see if they got hungry earlier than usual.
Remember to take care of yourself as well
All this stress and worry can have a great impact on your mental and physical health. The first few months of your newborn’s life will definitely be pretty filled with sleepless nights and daunting mornings, so it’s important to take care of yourself as well. The quality of your lifestyle will affect your baby a lot, so whenever you have a chance to do something nice for yourself, use it. Take breaks, do something you love, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it!
