Instructions for feeding babies according to each age

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with resident Doctor Ho Thi Hong Tho - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.
You should discuss your plan to start solids with your baby's nutritionist before starting solids. In most cases, you don't have to wait to introduce potentially allergenic foods like eggs, fish, and peanuts.... Also, watch out for the rules when giving food. your baby eats solids.
The introduction of solid foods in early life need not depend too much on the generally recommended food intake. Mothers also do not need to worry if their baby eats a little more or a little less than suggested needs. Besides, they should also discuss the baby's weaning with nutritionists or other mothers who have experience with weaning. In addition, mothers do not need to introduce more foods to their children in a particular order. For example, if a mother wants to add tofu to her baby's solid food, do it even though tofu is not on the list of recommended foods. Or they can also start solids with pureed fruit or vegetables.
In most cases, mothers pay attention to the new rules of nutritionists for babies, suggest first foods and learn other alternative feeding methods such as Mileage is led by the child (the child will pick or scoop the solid food).

1. Instructions for feeding babies from 0 to 4 months old

Feeding behavior: At this age, the child's eating behavior depends entirely on the natural reflex when the child knows how to find the mother's nipple to suckle Type of food: In the first 4 months of life, experts It is recommended to only feed babies breast milk or formula Feed amount: Each mother needs to monitor and understand the amount of breast milk as well as the amount of formula that the baby needs to drink each day because of the amount of food that needs to be provided to the baby during the day. This stage is very different. Try to give your baby the best breast milk, don't be too concerned about the recommended amount of milk. Feeding tip: The baby's digestive tract is still in the process of developing and is not yet complete, so it is not advisable to give solid foods to your baby at this stage. Any solid food put into the body can cause damage to the baby's digestive system.

2. Instructions for feeding children from 4 to 6 months old

At this stage, babies already have a number of signs to signal to mothers that they are ready to eat solid foods. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a child can start solids when there are a number of signs such as:
The child is able to hold his head high and sit upright on his own in a high chair The child shows significant weight gain (double or more) more than birth weight). Being able to hold a spoon and move food deep into the mouth When children ensure all the above signs, it is also time for mothers to think about starting solid foods.
Type of food: Breast milk and formula are still essential sources of nutrition and energy during this period, but give your baby more pureed vegetables or fruit, ground meats, whole grains. iron-fortified cups, small amounts of unsweetened milk Food intake: Start with about a teaspoon of whole food or cereal. Mix the cereal with 4-5 teaspoons of breast milk or formula. Then add a spoonful of pureed food, or a teaspoon of cereal mixed with breast milk or formula, feed the baby twice a day then reduce the amount of breast milk and formula so that the baby's food gradually becomes solid. more dense. Feeding tip: If your baby doesn't like solid foods for the first time, try them again after a few days. Many experts recommend that mothers introduce new foods to their babies one at a time, which means waiting two to three days if possible before offering another food. Mothers should also have a food diary to record all the foods their children eat as well as the child's attitude to that food (eager to eat or anorexia). This also makes it easier to identify the cause if the child develops allergies or develops any other health problems in the process. In addition, the order of new foods that mothers provide to children is not too important.

3. Instructions for feeding children from 6 to 8 months old

Signs of readiness for solid foods in babies between the ages of 6 and 8 months are similar to those for babies between 4 and 6 months of age. Type of food: Breast milk or formula will still be your baby's primary food source during this period. Along with that, mothers should also include in their children's weaning meals pureed fruit or fruit juice (banana, pear, apple, avocado, peach...), pureed vegetables (carrots). , squash, cooked sweet potatoes...), ground meat (chicken, pork, beef), pureed tofu, a small amount of unsweetened yogurt (note absolutely do not use cow's milk for babies until they are young). 1 year old), pureed beans (black beans, chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans...) and iron fortified cereals (oats, barley...) Amount of food: Initially one teaspoon of fruit, gradually increasing to 2 to 3 teaspoons in four feedings. One tablespoon of vegetables, gradually increasing to 2 to 3 tablespoons in four feedings. 3 to 9 tablespoons of cereal in 2 or 3 feedings Feeding Tip: Many experts recommend that mothers introduce foods to their babies one at a time. Then wait two to three days if possible before introducing a new food, especially if the child or family has a history of allergies to that food. Mothers should also record the food, the time of eating as well as the amount of food in the weaning diary. If your baby shows any signs of being out of the ordinary, a weaning diary can make it easier for them to pinpoint the cause. Just like with babies between 4 and 6 months old, the order in which mothers want to introduce foods to their babies doesn't really matter.

4. Feed babies from 8 to 10 months old

The signs that a baby is ready to eat more solid foods are the same as for babies 6 to 8 months old. However, babies at this stage can still:
Grasp food with thumb and index finger Can transfer food from one hand to the other Put things in mouth Moves jaw while chewing Food type: Breast milk and Formula milk is still regularly maintained for babies during this period. In addition, parents should give their children:
Small amounts of pasteurized soft cheese, cottage cheese and unsweetened yogurt. Mashed vegetables (carrots, squash, potatoes, cooked sweet potatoes...) Mashed fruits (banana, peaches, pears, avocados...) At this stage, children know how to pick up food to eat by themselves. Mothers should also prepare some foods for children to take in their mouths such as small pieces of eggs, well-cooked potatoes, cookies for teething babies... Protein: Pieces of meat small, poultry, boneless fish, tofu, lentils... Iron-fortified cereal Food intake:
1/4 to 1/3 cup milk 1/4 to 1/2 cup fortified cereal iron 3/4 to 1 cup fruit 3/4 to 1 cup vegetables 3 to 4 tablespoons high-protein foods Feeding tip: Many experts recommend that mothers introduce foods to children one at a time. Then wait 2 to 3 days if possible before introducing a new food, especially if the child or family has a history of food allergies. Mothers should also record the food, the time of eating as well as the amount of food in the weaning diary. If your baby shows any signs of being out of the ordinary, a weaning diary can make it easier for them to pinpoint the cause. Just like with babies between 6 and 8 months old, the order in which mothers want to introduce foods to their babies doesn't really matter.

5. Feed children from 10 to 12 months old

12 months old eat the same as children from 8 to 10 months old. There are only a few differences to note as follows:
In this stage, the child can swallow food more easily, besides the teeth have grown more and no longer use the tongue to try to push the food out. out of the mouth.
Type of food for babies: Breast milk and formula are still recommended foods, in addition, mothers need to give their babies more pasteurized cheese, yogurt, fresh cheese, fruits, vegetables mashed or soft cooked vegetables, bite-sized pieces. It is also recommended to give the child foods that combine, such as macaroni and cheese, and casseroles. The rest of the solid foods are similar for 8 to 10 month old babies.
Amount of food for babies:
1/3 cup milk 1/4 to 1/2 cup iron fortified cereal 3/4 to 1 cup fruit 3/4 to 1 cup vegetables 1/8 to 1/4 cup food combinations 3 to 4 tablespoons high-protein foods Weaning is one of the most important stages of a baby's development. In addition to helping children get used to foods gradually, the process of weaning also helps babies add vitamins and other nutrients necessary for both physical and intellectual development. The types of food served for the baby's weaning also vary depending on the age. However, there are common points that experts recommend that children gradually become familiar with each type of food and mothers should record them in a baby's weaning diary. If your child has any unusual symptoms, the notebook will make it easier to identify the cause.

For children to be healthy and develop well, it is necessary to have a nutritious diet in terms of quantity and quality balance. If children are not provided with adequate and balanced nutrients, it will lead to diseases of excess or lack of nutrients, which adversely affect the comprehensive development of children in terms of physical, mental and motor skills.
The period of baby eating solid foods is an extremely important period to help children develop comprehensively. Children who do not eat properly are at risk of micro-mineral deficiencies, causing anorexia, growth retardation, malabsorption, etc. If they notice the above signs, parents should supplement their children with supportive products. The supplement contains lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
Parents can learn more:
Signs of zinc deficiency in children
Micronutrient deficiency and failure to gain weight in children
Please regularly visit Vinmec.com website and update useful information to take care of your child. Take care of the baby and the whole family.
References: babycenter.com, pediatricswest.com