Complementary feeding of a child. When and how to introduce it.

When to introduce complementary foods

This is the main question that interests all mothers. Some want to act as late as possible, while others can't wait to introduce their baby to unknown sensations. Just a few decades ago, babies were fed much earlier (from three months), but modern pediatricians categorically do not recommend doing this.

Even nature indicates that at this age, a child should not receive anything except milk - up to 4 months, there is a "pushing out" reflex, i.e. all solid particles of food or foreign small objects that get into his mouth are pushed out by the tongue. After 4 months, the reflex gradually fades. There is no good coordination of the tongue - it simply cannot swallow solid pieces. The intestines do not produce the necessary amount of enzymes to cope with unfamiliar food - it is not yet developed enough for this. Teeth appear after 6 months - this is another reason not to introduce "adult" food prematurely.

Pediatricians have proven that early introduction of fruits contributes to the occurrence of allergic reactions (rashes, peeling skin), disrupts the gastrointestinal tract (bloating, constipation, bowel disorders, colic). Some children refuse breastfeeding if they are introduced to fruit puree too early. During the first six months, breast milk or a good, vitamin-rich formula is quite enough for a baby.

From 5-6 months, the baby no longer has enough nutritional value from breast milk or formula. He needs more microelements, vitamins, various proteins, and other useful substances. The baby has grown to the point where he can gradually master what his parents eat. What products to start with depends on many factors.

1. What kind of feeding is the baby on:

• breastfeeding;
• artificial feeding;
• mixed feeding.

2. The state of the gastrointestinal tract:

• were there any allergic rashes to the nursing mother's food, the formulas she received;
• is there a tendency to constipation, frequent stools.

3. From the general physical development:

• is the child developing in accordance with his age;
• are there any diseases at the moment (anemia, rickets, etc.).

Only the attending pediatrician can advise early introduction of complementary foods, who will assess the child's condition and possible risks associated with this.

Introduction rules

The rules for introducing regular food to infants and formula-fed babies differ only in timing. The latter need to supplement their diet a little earlier. Usually, formula-fed babies are introduced to "adult" food from 4-5 months. If the infant is developing according to his age, is full, and is gaining weight well, then the first spoonfuls of solid food can be given after six months.

The first and second complementary foods are vegetables and cereals. Where to start depends on what the baby needs most. Doctors recommend that underweight children start with porridge (buckwheat, oatmeal, rice), and those who have problems with stool, excess weight - with vegetables (zucchini, carrots, cauliflower, pumpkin, potatoes). Juices are aggressive, often cause skin rashes, gastrointestinal disorders, so you should get acquainted with them carefully.

First, let the baby try a single-component vegetable puree (porridge) on the tip of a spoon. Bring the portion to the recommended size slowly over the course of a week. After eating, feed the baby with mother's milk.

Do not rush to add other products - it will be more difficult to find out the cause of the allergic reaction. Keep a food diary to record the date of the new dish and the body's reaction to it.

You have 30 days to master one type of food, every 7 days add a new vegetable (cereal). By 8 months, the baby receives two adult feedings - vegetable multi-component puree with vegetable oil (preferably olive oil) for breakfast and dairy-free porridge with butter for dinner. It's time to add fruit juices or puree, but be very careful.

At 8 months, the third stage is fermented milk, which also gradually replaces one of the feedings or complements it. Some pediatricians, including Dr. Komarovsky, advise getting acquainted with fermented milk drinks at 6 months. Give your baby 3 spoons of kefir, slowly increase to 150-180 ml per serving.

From 9 to 12 months, meat (rabbit, turkey, veal, beef), yolk, fish, offal (liver, beef tongue), bread, cookies are introduced into the menu. A mandatory condition is to monitor the baby's condition, his reaction to each component. If there are rashes on the skin, changes in stool, bloating, then it is better to postpone this dish for at least 30 days.

That's it. Your child has entered a new stage in life. Pamper him with various healthy dishes and enjoy his achievements.