By Sheryl Walters
You want what is best for your baby, and taking that step to solid food can be daunting, especially when there is so much conflicting advice. Even if you have an older child, the advice has probably changed since they were beginning to eat.
Health experts and breastfeeding experts agree that it's best to wait until your baby is around six months old to offer solid foods. The World Health Organization and many other health organizations agree that exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months is the most nutritious way for babies to begin their life.
When Is Your Little One Ready For Solids?
A mature digestive tract and developmental readiness are both important for babies to begin eating solids. Research indicates that six months is about the time when a child's digestive tract is ready to digest food without risk of food allergies and other health problems that can occur when food is given too young.
After six months, the perfect time to introduce solids can vary depending on the baby, it is usually somewhere between six and eight months. Some babies benefit from an even later start, especially those who are prone to allergies.
Developmental Signs that Your Baby is ready for Solids:
* The tongue thrust reflex is gone, so he/she does not automatically push food out of their mouth.
* Your baby shows an interest in food and tries to grab food and put it in his/her mouth. They may seem excited to be involved at mealtimes. While many babies begin to exhibit this sign far earlier than six month, research has revealed that waiting until six months has many health advantages.
* Baby can sit up without support.
* Baby seems able to chew, and wants to do so.
* The pincer grasp is developed and your baby picks things up between the thumb and forefinger.
* Babies who are ready to nurse often begin to demand more milk. When looking out for this sign, make sure that your child is not ill or teething, both of which can create an increased desire to feed.
When Is It Absolutely Necessary That My Baby Have Solid Food?
Medical studies show that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is the ideal way to provide the perfect nutrition for your baby. However, many babies thrive on breast milk alone without any solids for the first year. It really depends on the baby and how they are developing.
Experts say that where possible, the majority of nourishment should come from breast milk throughout the first year. Somewhere around the first birthday, babies begin to require more nutrients than can be provided by breast milk alone.
As long as your baby is continuing to grow and gain weight, your baby is getting everything he/she needs from your breast milk during this first year. It is up to you to enjoy discovering when is the right time for your baby to take his/her first bites.
http://www.defyagenaturally.com
Sheryl Walters is an experienced holistic health expert.
Her blog combines the world's most up to date scientific research on how to stay young naturally in both mind and body with a heartfelt, personal touch. When we have the right information and take some dedicated action, we can be in charge of our health and our aging process.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheryl_Walters
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment