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Parents have a lot to think about when it comes to their baby’s development. From ensuring they are getting enough sleep to starting them on solid foods, it can be a lot to keep track of. One area that is often overlooked is feeding. Just like every other area of development, how your baby feeds will change as they grow. Here are some tips on how to ensure your baby is feeding well as they develop.
1. Follow Their Lead
When it comes to starting solid foods, parents often want to start their baby on rice cereal or oatmeal because it is easy to eat and digest. However, you should actually follow your baby’s lead when it comes to starting solid foods. If they seem interested in what you are eating, then they are probably ready for solid foods. Start with simple, pureed fruits and vegetables and go from there.
2. Don’t Force it
It can be tempting to force your child to eat more than they want or finish their plate, but this can actually lead to picky eating habits later on. Instead of forcing your child to eat, let them decide how much they want to eat and trust that their appetite will adjust accordingly.
3. Pinpoint Any Problems
It can be difficult to know whether your baby is getting enough to eat, but there are a few signs that may indicate a problem. If your baby is fussy during feedings or seems to be begging for food more often than usual, it may be a sign that they’re not getting enough. This could be down to things like lip and tongue ties, which will need looking at. You should also pay attention to whether your baby is gaining weight at a healthy rate. If you’re concerned that your baby isn’t getting enough to eat, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
4. Be Patient
Learning how to eat takes time and patience. Your child will make a mess, spill food, and drop things. It’s all part of the learning process! Try not to get frustrated and be patient while your child learns how to feed themselves.
Remember, Fed is Best!
New parents have a lot to think about, and one of the most important decisions is how to feed their baby. For some, the choice is easy – they will breastfeed exclusively. For others, the decision is not so clear-cut. There are many factors to consider, including time commitment, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Ultimately, though, the most important thing is that your baby is fed – whether that means breast milk, formula, or a combination of both.
Feeding is an important part of your baby’s development but it is often overlooked. Just like every other area of development, how your baby feeds will change as they grow. By following their lead, not forcing them to eat more than they want, and being patient while they learn, you can ensure that your baby is feeding well as they develop.
