When to start solids for babies?

Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months continuing with breast feeds on demand. There are few prerequisites for starting solids for baby.

What are the signs that indicate your baby is ready for solids?

• Your baby can hold her head, Head control milestone is mostly achieved by the end of 3^rd month.
• The baby can sit upright with or without support.
• The baby can move the tongue and does not push the food out that means that the Baby has lost the tongue thrust reflex.
• Baby is making chewing motions.
• Baby shows interest in food and tries to grab food while the family eats.
• Now that your baby is ready for solids, please read the below precautions before starting solids. 

Precautions to follow before starting solids

• Always keep the baby seated while feeding solids. 
• Never place the baby on the lap or legs while feeding.
• Sterilize all baby utensils before feeding.
• Always follow the 3 day rule while introducing any new foods.
• What is 3 Day Rule?
• First Day – One tablespoon once a day
• Second Day – 2 Tablespoon twice a day
• Third Day – 3 Tablespoon twice a day
• Always prepare fresh food for babies.
• Use a soft tipped spoon for feeding.

Characteristics of the first food for Babies

• The first food mostly can be a softly mashed puree or dal ka paani or chawal ka paani.
• It should be easily digestible.
• Make the puree runny at first by adding breastmilk or formula and slowly increase the consistency of the food.
• It is always advisable to start with homemade baby food rather than commercial preparations.
• To make puree, steaming is preferred over boiling of the vegetables and fruits as steaming preserves the nutrients.

Author Bio

I am Dr.Hemapriya, a.k.a the “Doctor Mommy”. I am a medical doctor by profession, no longer into active medical practice as my two little moppets keep me pretty much busy. But, this has not stopped me from putting my medical knowledge to good use.

Formula Food for Babies

The Indian Academy of Paediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. Mother’s milk is the best source of nutrition for a baby, but there are few conditions where mother’s milk cannot be given or it is not enough for the baby.  (Link to previous article First Feed to Newborn)

In such circumstances Formula can be given to the baby. WHO advises not to use cow’s milk for babies before 1 year as there is increased instances of Iron deficiency Anemia and Allergies in infants fed with cow’s milk.

Here are some useful tips to choose the right formula for your baby;

Types of Infant formula.

There are basically three types of infant formula available in the market, cow’s milk based (more similar to breastmilk), soy based (for babies allergic to milk proteins or lactose), protein hydrosylsate based formula (for babies who are allergic to both cow’s milk and soy based)

Iron fortified formula

Always ensure that the formula is Iron fortified as breastmilk has the adequate Iron for the baby’s development whereas formula has to fortified with iron to provide the baby adequate nutrition.

DHA enhanced formula

DHA and AA enhanced formula are in much vogue now due to their benefits in brain development. Human breastmilk has the adequate levels to promote the normal brain development and so it is better to go for a formula that is DHA and AA enhanced.

What if my baby has lactose allergy?

If your baby has lactose allergies then please consult your paediatrician who will either advice a lactose free formula or a soy based formula.

How much formula to feed the baby ?

According to the AAP on a average your baby must be fed about 75 ml per 453gms of body weight. You don’t have to follow this strict regime, follow your baby’s hunger cues and feed appropriately.

How to give formula for babies

The formula packet will have the instructions regarding the number of scoops of powder to be used and the amount of water that has to be added. Please follow the instructions and do not add either more powder or water than required. Always sterilise the feeding utensils with hot water and use it for the baby.

Author Bio

I am Dr.Hemapriya, a.k.a the “Doctor Mommy”. I am a medical doctor by profession, no longer into active medical practice as my two little moppets keep me pretty much busy. But, this has not stopped me from putting my medical knowledge to good use.