How to feed your baby in the first year? (First Year Infant Feeding) Let's talk from the beginning!

The joy of becoming a new mother or father is indescribable. However, it is also normal to have a lot of small fears and questions. One of the main questions is "How do I feed my baby properly?". Questions like "Will my baby get enough milk?", "How often should I feed him?", "When should I start feeding him some rice?" are probably on your mind. Don't worry, we will talk about all this simply and in a way that you can understand.

The first few months: The baby's only food is breast milk or formula.

During the first few months of your baby's life, all the nutrition he needs for growth comes from breast milk or formula that your doctor recommends. During this time, babies are often hungry, but their stomachs are very small. So they can't drink large amounts at once.

Typically, if you're breastfeeding, you'll need to feed your baby every two to three hours . That's anywhere from 8 to 12 times a day. If you're formula-feeding, that number may be a little less, about 6-10 times a day.

Look at how the baby's belly is gradually getting bigger.

But remember, not all babies are the same . Your baby may need a little more or less than this. So don't worry about these numbers alone. The most important thing is to recognize your baby's hunger signals and feed them at that time. It's important to talk to your doctor about this and find out more.

Is the baby hungry? Is the baby full? Let's understand these signs exactly.

Babies can't say, "Mommy, I'm hungry," but they do tell us in different ways. We call these 'hunger cues.' It's important to recognize these early on. Because when your baby is really hungry and starts crying, it can be a little difficult to calm him down and feed him.

When your baby is showing signs of being full, don't force feed or drink more. Doing so may cause your baby to have stomach upset, gas, or vomit.

Is it time to start solid foods? (Starting Solid Foods)

Many parents look forward to introducing solid foods to their baby. Babies are usually ready for solid foods around 6 months of age . Starting them at this age can also reduce the risk of allergies. But not all babies are ready at the same time. Watch for these signs to help you know if your baby is ready.

• Able to sit upright in a chair without much support.
• You can hold your head up straight.
• You eagerly watch the food being eaten, trying to reach for your food.
• When a spoonful of food is brought to the mouth, it opens its mouth.
• You can move the food you put in your mouth towards your throat instead of pushing it out with your tongue. (It's normal to push a little out in the early days, but if it keeps doing that, he may not be ready yet.)
• They try to grab small objects like toys and bring them to their mouths.

If your baby is showing these signs, it means he or she is slowly getting ready to enter the world of solid foods. If you have any doubts about this, ask your family doctor to confirm.

Should you be afraid of food allergies?

It's normal to worry when introducing a new food, wondering, "Will my baby be allergic to this?" This fear is especially heightened if someone in the family has food allergies, or if your baby has a skin condition like eczema . However, according to the latest medical advice, it's not a good idea to delay introducing foods that may cause allergies as much as previously thought.

But when doing these things, be sure to follow these rules:

1. Offer only one new food at a time: Don't introduce two or three new foods in one day. Try one for a day or two.

2. Watch for signs of allergy: Watch closely for signs of skin rash, vomiting, or diarrhea shortly after feeding. If you notice any of these, stop feeding the food and see a doctor immediately .

3. Consult a doctor: If you think your baby is at risk of allergies, be sure to seek medical advice before introducing new foods.

The best things to give your baby and the things you should never give them

When starting solid foods, you can give your baby a lot of things. But some things are not good for their health, and some things can even get stuck in their throats.

Let's learn about baby cereals.

Often, babies start with cereals that are specifically designed for babies. When choosing these, choose an iron -fortified variety that is essential for your baby's growth. Introduce a variety of grains, such as oats and barley.

Very important: Never mix cereal powder into your baby's bottle. Always feed it with a spoon. Giving it in a bottle can cause the following risks:

• It can get stuck in your throat.
• It can go into the lungs.
• You may gain more weight than necessary.

Foods not to give in the first year

Remember this list carefully. Do not give these foods to your baby until he is at least one year old.

A few tips to make solid food introduction a success

Introducing new solid foods isn't something that happens all at once, like flipping a switch. It's something that needs to be done gradually, gradually.

How do you make food easier to swallow?

Babies don't have teeth to chew like we do. They eat by grinding their food with their gums and mixing it with saliva. So be careful about these things when preparing food.

• Boil hard vegetables and fruits like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots well and puree them.
• If you are giving meat or fish, remove the bones and skin, boil it well, and make it soft enough to mash with a fork.
• Add a little breast milk or formula to the cereal you prepared for your baby to make a liquid mixture.
• If you are giving round foods like grapes, be sure to cut them lengthwise into at least four small pieces.

Remember these things when

• Talk to your baby: When feeding, say things like "Mmm... isn't it delicious?" and enjoy it. It will be a good experience for your baby.
• Be patient: Your baby may not like the spoon for the first time, may put it out of his mouth, or cry. This is normal. Don't force it. Give him some breast milk/formula and try again in a few days.
• Start with something familiar: first give a little breast milk/formula, then a couple of spoonfuls of solid food, and then finish with a little milk again.
• Do it yourself: Before feeding your baby, bring the spoon to your mouth and pretend to eat. This may encourage your baby to do the same.

In the early days, your baby will spill food all over his body, his chair, and the floor. That's okay. It's part of the journey. Face this new experience with patience and love.

Should I stop breastfeeding even after starting solid foods?

No, absolutely not. If possible, continue breastfeeding. Doctors recommend that you breastfeed your baby exclusively for at least 6 months. After that, introducing solid foods and breastfeeding until at least 2 years of age is very beneficial for your baby's health and immune system. Solid foods are a supplement to breast milk, not a replacement for breast milk.

In a situation like this, you should definitely see a doctor.

If you have any questions or concerns about feeding your baby, don't hesitate to talk to a doctor. It's especially important to seek medical advice in situations like this.

• If your baby refuses solid foods after 6 months and despite repeated attempts.
• If the baby's stool is very loose, watery, or contains mucus.
• If you feel that your baby is eating too little or too much.
• If you have a preemie or other health condition, ask your doctor about a diet that is appropriate for your baby.

You can ask your doctor questions like: "How long should I breastfeed?", "What are the best solid foods to start with?", "Do I need to give my baby vitamin D or iron supplements?", "What is the best way to feed my baby if he has reflux?".

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