Lure and what it is eaten with
Feeding a baby is one of the most important and crucial stages for mom. On the Internet, you can find a lot of information on the topic of complementary foods, however, to understand it is often not so simple. Mom faces a difficult task - to find reliable sources of recommendations.
What are the subtleties?
Before the introduction of complementary foods, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician. Usually, the first feeding is recommended at the age of 4 to 6 months, while the child should have all the signs of readiness for the introduction of complementary foods:
- doubling the weight with which the baby was born;
- the ability to sit on the lap of the parents, not leaning forward or sideways. This is called the ability to “sit with support”;
- the ability to eat from a spoon, not pushing it out with his tongue. By the beginning of the introduction of complementary foods, this reflex should fade;
- the presence of active nutritional interest: the child is interested in watching how adults eat; trying to take food from a plate from an adult and eat it, etc.
As the first food products, the baby is usually offered low-allergenic vegetable puree from zucchini, broccoli or cauliflower, or gluten-free cereal porridge - rice, buckwheat or corn.
To buy or cook it yourself - that’s the question
A frequent subject of heated debate on forums for mothers - to feed the baby with a product prepared at home, or trust the manufacturers of baby food?
Nevertheless, as the first porridge it is still better to choose the second option, in such porridges there is everything necessary for the first feeding of the baby. They are enriched with vitamins and minerals, and have a completely uniform consistency, which is especially important for easy absorption. In addition, baby cereals from the manufacturer undergo careful control of raw materials.
What are the types of cereals for children?
Of course, during the introduction of complementary foods, mother's milk or infant formula remains the main nutrition of the child. However, some children are advised to introduce additional complementary foods in the form of cereals. If you look at the assortment of cereals from any manufacturer of baby food, then your eyes will start to run up from a variety of types and tastes, but each porridge has its own time.
- To begin with, it is advised to pay attention to monocomponent low-allergenic cereals, without the addition of milk, sugar and salt. Among cereals for the first feeding whole grain cereals are especially popular.
- Other types of baby cereals - multi-grain and milk - are introduced a little later, after the baby’s stomach meets each cereal separately.
- Pieces with the addition of fruit slices are designed for older children, they help develop the child's chewing skills and form taste habits.
In order to help mothers with the choice of what kind of porridge to give their baby, Heinz has developed a very convenient mobile application for the first feeding. It is easy to make a menu for a week in it, all meals are scheduled by the hour, indicating the required number of grams for each serving.
What are the benefits of whole grain cereals?
Whole grain cereals have many advantages, since all parts of the grain, including bran and germ, are used in the process of their production. Thanks to this, it turns out to save much more useful trace elements that are so important for the first feeding of the baby. Thus, cereals do not need additional enrichment with vitamin-mineral complexes, which can sometimes cause allergies in a child.
For example, Heinz has a whole line whole grain cereals.
- Source of natural vitamins and minerals thanks to 100% whole grain;
- Do not contain sugar and salt;
- Enriched with a prebiotic for healthy digestion of the baby;
- Do not contain palm oil.
At the moment, the HEINZ line has several flavors of whole grain cereals, each of which is perfect for the first feeding.
Don’t be afraid of such a crucial step as complementary foods. Rely in this matter only on authoritative sources and recommendations and consult a pediatrician in a timely manner - and then your baby will be full, healthy and satisfied.
