Addressing Common Pediatric Concerns for 10-Month-Old Infants

Questions about complementary foods and stages of growth?

Hello Dr.
Zhao,
My daughter is now almost ten months old.
She was born weighing 3170g and measuring 50cm.
At her nine-month check-up, she weighed 7.8kg and measured 71cm.
Since she weighed 7kg and measured 64.5cm at four months, her weight gain seems to be slower.
She has been exclusively breastfed since birth.
I have the following questions for you:
1.
I read that breastfed infants tend to be slimmer; is this true? However, I also read that regardless of the mother's body type, she can produce perfectly nutritious breast milk.
Is this statement credible?
2.
I started introducing solid foods at 4-6 months with apple puree and juice, and began actively adding porridge, vegetable puree, banana puree, steamed egg yolk, and chicken bone broth at nine months.
Some of these foods are unseasoned, and my baby seems less interested in them.
I heard that salt should not be used before one year of age.
What seasoning methods can I use? Is it acceptable to add rock sugar? Also, what should be the approximate quantity of these foods that I should offer?
3.
There is a product on the market called "Taiwan Sugar Health Yeast Powder," which claims to be added to rice porridge.
My husband wants me to give it to our child; is this advisable? Could it cause kidney strain?
4.
My daughter can sit independently but sometimes falls over.
She can transition from a sitting position to a crawling position, but she cannot yet move from a crawling position to sitting.
Is this normal?
5.
She started crawling on her belly around nine months and can crawl around the house.
Now, at nine months and three weeks, she still cannot lift her belly off the ground to crawl.
Is this normal? How can I assist her in this development?
6.
Currently, I am only giving her egg yolk.
When is it appropriate to introduce egg whites?
Thank you for taking the time to address my questions.
I wish you good health and all the best in everything.

eva, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/09/03

Dr. Zhao Yongkang reply Pediatrics

Dear Mom,
Hello! Regarding your questions, here are my opinions:
1.
Generally, breastfeeding mothers can lose weight, and breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies.
Its nutrients are sufficient to support the baby's growth and will not cause weight loss in the baby; instead, it will help the baby grow strong and healthy.
2.
For introducing complementary foods, at 4-6 months, the common options are rice, wheat cereal, or pureed vegetables and fruits.
After 7 months, you can start adding meat and egg yolks to the diet.
By 11 months, the baby can eat the same foods as adults, and seasoning can be done as usual.
3.
It is not recommended to add Taiwan Sugar's "Jian Su" yeast powder, as some children may not tolerate such foods well.
4.
Generally, children develop motor skills by "sitting and crawling." Based on your description, your baby's motor development seems acceptable.
However, if this continues until the first birthday, a check-up is necessary.
5.
At 11 months, you can start increasing protein intake.
Director Zhao is currently abroad for further studies, and I am responding on his behalf.
Thank you for your understanding.

Thank you for your letter!
Wishing you peace,
Dr.
Wang He-Shun
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Hsinchu Hospital

Reply Date: 2003/09/03

More Info

Dear Parent,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your 10-month-old daughter. It’s great to see that you are actively seeking information to ensure her healthy development. I will address each of your questions in detail, providing insights based on pediatric health guidelines.

1. Breastfeeding and Weight: It is a common belief that breastfed infants may appear leaner than formula-fed infants. However, breast milk is designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants, regardless of the mother's body type. The composition of breast milk is indeed perfect for infants, containing the right balance of nutrients, fats, and proteins essential for growth. If your daughter is gaining weight steadily and is active, she is likely receiving adequate nutrition from breastfeeding.

2. Introducing Solid Foods: It’s recommended to start introducing solid foods around 6 months of age, which you have done. At 10 months, your daughter should be eating a variety of pureed and mashed foods. It’s important to avoid adding salt or sugar to her food until she is at least one year old. Instead, you can enhance flavors with herbs or spices that are safe for infants. Ice sugar is not recommended as it can contribute to unhealthy eating habits later on. As for portion sizes, a general guideline is to offer 2-3 tablespoons of each food type, gradually increasing as she shows interest.

3. Nutritional Supplements: The yeast powder you mentioned, such as the one from Tai Sugar, can be a source of additional nutrients. However, it’s essential to consult with your pediatrician before introducing any supplements, as they can sometimes lead to excessive intake of certain nutrients, potentially putting stress on the kidneys.

4. Developmental Milestones: Your daughter’s ability to sit independently and transition from sitting to tummy is a positive sign of her motor development. It is normal for infants to take time to master skills like transitioning from tummy to sitting. Encourage her by providing safe spaces to explore and play, which can help her develop these skills.

5. Crawling Development: It is typical for infants to crawl in different ways, and some may take longer to develop the ability to crawl on their hands and knees. As long as she is mobile and exploring her environment, she is developing normally. You can encourage her crawling by placing toys just out of reach, motivating her to move towards them.

6. Egg Consumption: It is generally recommended to introduce egg whites after the age of one, as they can be allergenic. Since you are already giving her egg yolks, you can continue doing so until she is ready for the whites. Always monitor for any signs of allergies when introducing new foods.

In conclusion, your daughter’s growth and development seem to be on track, but it’s always a good idea to have regular check-ups with her pediatrician to monitor her progress. If you have any further concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice tailored to your daughter’s specific needs.

Wishing you and your daughter all the best in her growth and development!
Warm regards.

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