Adding complementary foods is a challenge many new parents face. Let's explore the key points to keep in mind during this process. 8 Principles for Adding Complementary Foods, a must-have for parents with babies!
Don't rush it
Adding complementary food is a process to help your baby transition their diet. It gradually shifts a baby who primarily consumes milk to a toddler whose main diet consists of grains. Therefore, it should be a gradual process, adding foods according to the baby's age and actual needs.
Order of digestibility
Start with the easiest foods for the baby to digest and accept, adding them one at a time. After introducing a new food, observe for a few days. If the baby shows signs of intolerance, stop temporarily and try again in a few days. If the baby refuses to eat, don't force them. Wait a few days and try again, but don't lose confidence. Let the baby adapt slowly; don't frustrate them from the very beginning.
Don't start in the summer
Babies tend to have a smaller appetite and are more prone to indigestion during the summer. If your baby refuses to eat new foods, wait until the weather cools down. Parents need to learn to be patient and wait for the right time.
Go step by step
When adding complementary foods, increase the quantity gradually, from thin to thick, from fine to coarse, from soft to hard, and from purees to chopped pieces. This allows the baby to gradually adapt to the development of their digestive, swallowing, and chewing abilities.
Don't start when the baby is sick
Introduce new foods only when your baby is healthy and in a good mood. Do not introduce any new foods when the baby is ill.
Pause if there are adverse reactions
If the baby develops symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite during the process, you should temporarily stop adding new foods. Wait until the baby's digestive function recovers before starting again. However, begin with smaller quantities and fewer varieties than before, then gradually increase them.
Don't force your baby
A baby's food preferences can be related to their parents' eating habits. Sometimes, a baby simply may not like a certain food. In such cases, don't force them. There are no complementary foods that are absolutely essential. If a baby refuses a particular food, it is often only temporary. There is no need to insist on them eating it at that very moment. You should respect your baby's individuality and cultivate a good habit of not being a picky eater.
Be flexible
When adding complementary foods, don't strictly follow books. You should be flexible and make adjustments based on the specific situation, promptly adjusting the quantity and variety of foods. This is the most important point for parents to note in the entire process.