Is Your Baby's Soft Muscle a Concern? Pediatric Insights and Tips - Pediatrics

Dr. Cai Zhengxian reply Pediatrics

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Dear Mom Long,
Congratulations on your commitment to breastfeeding exclusively for such a long time, and for introducing complementary foods at six months.
It seems your baby is encountering some difficulties with the introduction of solid foods.
Attached are the principles for introducing complementary foods for exclusively breastfed babies from the Baby Garden website:
"Before six months, breast milk is the perfect food, and there is no need to add any other foods or drinks (including water).
This approach helps ensure that the mother has sufficient milk supply while reducing the risk of allergies.
Even after the first year, breast milk continues to provide a significant amount of essential nutrients, especially protein, fat, and vitamins.
At six months, the baby's neurological development makes them ready to try different feeding methods.
They can better control their head, look straight ahead, sit steadily with some support, and grasp objects to bring to their mouth.

We can observe the baby’s behavior; if for five or six days they show no discomfort and consistently reach for objects to bring to their mouth while wanting to nurse frequently, we can try offering a small amount of mashed ripe banana or cooked potato.
If they enjoy it and do not push the food out with their tongue, we can confirm they are ready to eat other foods.
Every baby is unique, and a few months' differences are normal.
Here are the ten principles for introducing complementary foods:
1.
Continue Breastfeeding: Continue to breastfeed on demand to avoid replacing the nutrients and immune benefits provided by breast milk with too many complementary foods.
2.
Gradual Introduction: Start with one or two tablespoons of rice cereal mixed with breast milk or water.
If the baby responds well, you can add another meal a few days later.
Typically, around two months after starting solids, they can have three meals a day.
As the baby becomes familiar with different feeding methods, gradually change the texture of the food and introduce other foods, starting with fruit and vegetable purees, followed by meats.
3.
Variety: Offer a variety of foods daily, including breast milk, rice cereal, fruits, vegetables, and animal proteins.
Iron-fortified cereals and meats provide adequate iron.
Foods like beans, small fish, cheese, and yogurt can provide calcium.
(Avoid fresh milk before one year.) Limit fruit juice (no more than 120cc per day before one year, and 240cc after) as it provides minimal energy and replaces more nutritious foods.
To avoid introducing high-cholesterol foods, it is suggested to limit egg yolks to no more than three per week.
4.
Finger Foods: As the baby’s chewing and swallowing skills improve around eight months, you can offer finger foods such as torn toast, small pieces of chicken, sliced ripe banana, cooked carrots, sweet potatoes, or noodles.
Different flavors and textures will encourage them to explore food.
Be cautious to avoid choking hazards.
5.
Natural Foods: When preparing complementary foods, focus on natural ingredients without added seasonings.
Ensure cleanliness of utensils and wash your hands before preparation.
6.
Avoid Allergenic Foods: Foods that are more likely to cause allergies, such as cow's milk, egg whites, peanuts, shellfish, and acidic fruits (like strawberries, citrus, and tomatoes), should not be introduced before one year.
Honey should not be given to infants under one year to prevent botulism.
Avoid giving regular cow's milk before one year and skim milk before two years to prevent deficiencies in essential fatty acids and unnecessary kidney load.
7.
Monitor Reactions: Introduce one new food at a time in small amounts and watch for adverse reactions such as asthma, skin rashes, or diarrhea.
If the baby adapts well, gradually increase the amount and introduce another new food after a week.
8.
Pleasant Mealtime Atmosphere: Choose a relaxed time for adults to start introducing complementary foods, such as lunchtime or dinner.
Initially, the baby may not be accustomed to different feeding methods and foods, so patience is key.
Encourage them while feeding, saying things like, "Yummy!" Have the baby sit in a high chair to promote good eating habits.
You can offer some breast milk before meals to avoid excessive hunger.
9.
Don’t Fear Mess: Once the baby is accustomed to swallowing food, let them try using a spoon.
When they handle the spoon well, use a bib and cover the floor with newspaper or plastic for easier cleanup.
Typically, after one year, they will manage better.
10.
Avoid Bottles for Solids: Do not put complementary foods in a bottle to prevent overfeeding or choking.
Encourage the use of a cup for drinks instead of a bottle.
Many baby cups have two handles and lids to prevent spills.
Start with water to help the baby learn how to use it.
Initially, they may play with the cup, but they will gradually learn to use it.
Once they are comfortable, you can offer juice or milk.
Note: When babies start eating complementary foods, their stool may change in shape, color, or odor.
Sometimes, you may see undigested food, such as carrot shreds or vegetable leaves, which is common and normal.
Foods like rice cereal, rice, applesauce, or bananas may cause firmer stools, so you might want to try different foods.
By using appropriate amounts of sugar, salt, and oil, and not using food as a reward, you can help cultivate healthy eating habits in your baby.
In summary, when your baby shows interest in adult food or has developed the ability to control their head and hand movements, it is time to try introducing complementary foods.
Don’t rush, don’t fear messes or inconvenience, and maintain a pleasant atmosphere during meals to enjoy the dining experience together!"
(Quoted from the article by Dr.
Chen Chao-Hui, author of "Breast Milk is Best," March 2002)

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Reply Date: 2005/07/08