Many parents have noted the difficulty of feeding their young children. Young children often have mood swings when it comes to eating and drinking as their taste buds change. Research has shown that the most difficult time in the process involves the child transitioning from breast milk to solid foods. Despite the attempts to ensure that your child enjoys a nutritious meal, there are a few common feeding mistakes that you need to be aware of. Here is an overview to help you avoid some common feeding mistakes.
Allowing Your Child To Eat Solid Food Too Quickly
Many parents believe that feeding their babies solid food will help fill them up and allow them to sleep better. However, many pediatricians note that there are no additional benefits to letting a baby try solid foods before they turn a year old. During the first year of your child’s life, try to keep them on a formula diet. You can add solid foods to their diet over time.
Getting Nervous About Your Child Spitting Up Food
It’s a natural reaction for you to be nervous if your child is spitting up milk after you’ve fed him. Pediatricians note that it is normal for babies to spit up their food. Your child is experiencing acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when there is an issue with the valve in between the esophagus and the stomach. This issue can cause food to come back up into the mouth. Consider burping your baby while you feed them so that their food will stay down.
Lengthy Spoon Feeding
Research has shown that babies who are spoon fed for a long time may eventually develop obesity as they grow up. Babies are unaware of when their stomachs are full. Pediatricians believe that babies should start self feeding themselves around 9 months. Look for signs that your baby is ready to start feeding themselves. If your baby is grasping food with their fingers, that is a sign that they are ready to use a spoon on their own.
Choking warnings
Be aware that there are many harmless foods that could potentially cause your child to choke. As your child starts growing, they’ll start inquiring about finger foods. Pay attention to these situations and remember that your child’s teeth haven’t developed yet.
Avoid giving your baby food while they are laying down.
Give Your Baby Small Amounts Of Juice
Many parents allow their babies to drink juice because of the nutritional value. However, it may be more beneficial to give your baby sliced fruits instead. Drinking juice adds calories and can also cause long term issues such as tooth decay.
Overly Relying On Healthy Choices
Many parents overthink the health component of their child’s diet. Avoid giving your child too many organic or genetically modified foods. Also, be sure to incorporate dairy and vegetables into your baby’s diet. Do not simply rely on giving your child fruits and vegetables.
