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The introduction of food is what is called the phase in which the baby can consume other foods, and does not occur before 6 months of life, because up to that age the recommendation is exclusive breastfeeding, since milk is able to supply all hydration needs. and nutrition.
In addition, before 6 months of age, the swallowing reflex is also not fully formed, which can cause gagging, and the digestive system is still unable to digest other foods. See the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age.
Why start only after 6 months
The recommendation that the introduction should begin after the 6th month is due to the fact that, from that age, breast milk is no longer able to guarantee the necessary nutrients, especially iron, which in low amounts causes anemia in the child. In this way, natural foods, such as fruits, vegetables and vegetables, are necessary to complement the diet.
Another reason is that only after the sixth month, the baby's body is better prepared to receive other foods, as the immune system begins to form and becomes able to fight possible infections or allergies that the introduction of new foods can cause.
In addition, introducing too much food early or late increases the baby's chances of developing allergies or intolerances, for example.
How to start feeding the baby
When starting to feed the baby, it is advisable to prefer natural foods, such as vegetables that are cooked before offering to the baby. In addition, the use of salt or sugar in food preparation is not indicated. Check which vegetables and fruits can include the baby's feeding at 7 months.
Tips to facilitate food introduction
The beginning of feeding can be stressful for the child and everyone involved in this situation, so it is recommended that it be done in a quiet place, so that the child is not easily distracted. Some precautions can make this moment more pleasant, such as:
- Look in the eyes and talk during the meal;
- Do not leave the baby alone during feeding;
- Offer food slowly and patiently;
- Do not force yourself to eat if you do not want to finish your meal;
- Be aware of signs of hunger and satiety.
It is important to consider that introducing food is a new activity in the baby's life, and for this reason crying and refusing food can happen for a few days, until the baby gets used to the new routine.
How to set up the baby's food routine
The baby's food introduction routine should be done with the inclusion of foods of natural origin, in addition to being varied, as it is the phase in which the child is discovering flavors and textures.
Tubers | potato, baroa potato, sweet potato, yam, yam, cassava. |
Vegetables | chayote, zucchini, okra, zucchini, carrot, pumpkin. |
Vegetables | broccoli, green beans, kale, spinach, cabbage. |
Fruit | banana, apple, papaya, orange, mango, watermelon. |
Purees can be made from a variety of fruits and vegetables, and over the weeks other foods can be included or excluded from the diet. Take the example of a three-day baby menu.
Recipes for food introduction
Below are two simple recipes that can be used in food introduction:
1. Vegetable cream
This recipe yields 4 meals, being possible to freeze for use in the following days.
Ingredients
- 100 g of pumpkin;
- 100 g of carrot;
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
Preparation mode
Peel, wash and cut the pumpkin and carrot into cubes, in a pan with boiling water and cook for 20 minutes. Drain excess water and beat the ingredients using a fork. Then add the oil and serve.
2. Fruit puree
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Wash and peel the mango and banana. Cut into pieces and knead until puree consistency. Then add the milk the baby consumes and mix until smooth.
Since the start of food introduction can be difficult and you may refuse to eat. See what can be done in these cases: