With the arrival of a baby your life has undergone a radical change, and it is normal to have certain doubts. Feeding babies is something that worries parents a lot, especially new ones. What things should a baby not drink? What foods if you can? Some things may seem very obvious but others are not so obvious. That is why today we explain what foods a baby can or cannot take.
1-4 first months of life
Your baby's digestive system is still maturing so it is not prepared to digest certain foods during the first months of life. During the first four months of life your baby will feed only on milk (both maternal and formula). The need for water will depend on what type of milk you give your baby.
If they drink exclusive breast milk, it is not necessary to give water to babies until 6 months of age, when they start complementary feeding. This is because the breast milk already contains all the water you need (specifically 88% of breast milk is water). On the other hand, if your baby takes formula milk, you can offer him water to cover his needs.
It is not advisable to give them cow's milk or derivatives like yogurts in their diet until after the year, as long as they no longer breastfeed. If they breastfeed they do not need another type of milk.
6-12 months
This is a adaptation period in their diet, this includes vegetable and fruit porridges. It will be the pediatrician who will advise and recommend what foods to introduce to the baby in their feeding and in what order. It is not necessary to add salt to the preparations, as it puts the health of the kidneys of children at risk. It can only be given moderately from one year of age.
Experts do not recommend eating fish until 6-7 months, legumes until 7-8 months and eggs until 9-10 months. They should not be given to babies or cereals with gluten, no bread or cookies before the year. Nor should you give them sugar. Fruit should be the only source of sugar. So you have to avoid juices even if they are squeezed at home. They contain a large amount of sugar that is not good, neither for children nor for adults. The best fruit in small pieces, but not in juice. In addition, giving the juice in a bottle increases the chances of tooth decay.
From 1 to 2 years
Do not give your child under 2 years of age honey Although it may seem harmless to you. Causes risk of botulism in children. Neither does any other type of artificial sweetener (stevia, saccharin….), light products or sugary drinks.
Neither give them snacks, sweets or trinkets They do not provide any nutrients for them. If they eat it, it should be isolated and on time. Either nuts they must be given to children, as they are highly allergenic. It is recommended to introduce them from 5-6 years.
All the sausages, olives, cherries and candies They are not recommended due to the risk of suffocation for at least 3-4 years. Certain fish because of their high mercury contentsuch as swordfish and bluefin tuna. The Sausages have too much fat and salt, and preserves They have a lot of preservatives and salt.
Many times due to routine, ignorance or lack of time we throw away prepared foods that have practically no nutrients for our babies. As are the food in jars, nothing happens if we use it at some point in time but we should not use it regularly. It is very important that we are aware of what food we are providing to our children, if they are well fed and nourished.
Because remember… it is our responsibility as parents to know what our children should eat and what foods are best and worst for them.