The Do’s and Don’ts of Feeding Babies that Moms Should Know

For those moms out there, there comes a lot of pressure in being a mom and taking care holistically of your babies. Be it in making sure your babies are sleeping well, moving well, making sure; that their delicate bodies are comfortable in those clothes, shoes, mattresses; and especially, on their health; specifically, on how you ought to feed them. Today, we are going to discuss the do’s and don’ts of feeding your babies, in hopes of making your motherhood; or your parenting bearable and successful. 

For New Moms Out There!

Do’s

Babies and toddlers will have to eat foods that are seen in all five healthy food groups; namely vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, and protein. The nutrients must be yielded from these five; as they are essential for growth, development, learning, functions as well as the making of their healthy immune system. 

Remember; Breast milk is the best food you can give to your babies in the first and earlier years of their lives. Not only it makes your babies grow healthy and strong; but it also hones protection from many illnesses; and studies have validated that babies that are breastfed have fewer health problems than those who don’t. You are encouraged to introduce solid foods to your babies when they have reached six months old, slowly, but surely. 

Don’ts

Your babies should not engage in salty, fatty, and sugary foods; as well as low-fiber foods and drinks that contain a lot of caffeine or sugar. There are a lot of risks and problems associated with these negative food choices, here they are. 

• Salty foods. Will damage the baby’s still immature kidneys 
• Fatty foods. Specifically, those unhealthy fats such as saturated and trans fat, have been identified to be harmful to babies and adults alike. They might have caused weight gain, obesity, diabetes, heart disease as well as scary impaired brain function. 
• Sugary foods. Too much sugar is validated to be bad for your baby’s still emerging dental system. 
• Low-fiber foods. It has been linked to diverticulosis, risk of colon cancer, and disruption of the microbiome.
• Caffeine. As they are still growing, the effects of caffeine, especially on their nervous and cardiovascular system is alarmingly dangerous. With disturbed heart rhythm, blood pressure, wild acid reflux and sleep disturbance being the main harms.

Now that we have established the right foods to consume and the wrong foods to never feed; let us go over to the main guide of feeding your babies. 

The General Do’s 

Make sure to have a trusted pediatrician on your side along the way.

This is an essential step as a baby’s health and welfare cannot just be sustained by sole research on the internet. Even if it is factual, which is always what I am delivering; having a doctor by your side will help you navigate motherhood a lot easier. Specifically, they ought to help with weight management, maintenance, and development with respect to how old your baby is. 

Pay attention to allergy prevention 

You can do all the things to ensure that your baby is eating the right foods, but if you fail to discuss and explore food allergies, your feeding babies might be in harm.  Our new research is suggesting that mothers should start navigating peanut-based food and slowly introduce them to their child. Doing so as early as six months will help you save the child’s life along the road of development. 

Integrate your healthy diet into your baby 

Here, you are ought to be the role model of your baby; as experts validate that babies develop their palette based on their mother’s nutrition habits. Therefore, you should eat healthy foods to encourage your baby to do the same; and you are guaranteed to have a much easier time feeding them. 

Explore and stick to having a variety of food 

Here, researching or joining a community of mothers and what they like to feed their babies are your best friends. Remember there are lots of healthy food choices that are beneficial in their own unique ways; and exploring and having a variety of them all will maximize the potential of you having a very well-rounded and nourished baby. 

The General Don’ts 

Do not give up when your babies are getting picky about the food they eat 

This is a common scenario, and they may seem to dislike a certain food, even twenty times; but trust me, they will come along as they are still navigating its flavor.

Do not feed your babies solid foods from their milk bottle

This is a strong choking hazard, despite how convenient and fun it seems. Many are constantly being misinformed, but do not try to make the feeding process a quick fix; babies always need help when they are eating. 

Do not neglect to research with regards to nutritional information 

When you are in a grocery store, and shopping for “foods that are best for your baby”. Always research for the brand, remember that those are advertising and marketing strategies, moreover; they care more about their income and more about your baby’s health. Also, to enhance your feeding routine; research for reputable baby food tutorials, just so you have a guide on preparing dishes for your babies. 

Do not force your babies to eat, let them be. 

This gives the negative notion of parenting; your feeding babies should have the authority to how they like to eat, in any way and time they want. That is why, you really have to be understanding, gentle, patient, and generally will persevere in times when your baby is stubborn. 

Keep In Mind

As you now know, perhaps motherhood and parenting are not that demanding, chaotic, and full of pressure at all. In fact, that is what makes it more meaningful as it pushes parents to be and show up in their best for their babies. Happy baby feeding!