In the process of feeding a baby, the misconceptions held by the elderly in terms of mindset and understanding mainly manifest in 12 aspects, which should be corrected, otherwise it will affect the baby's growth and development, thus causing lifelong regrets.
Misconception 1: It's better for babies to eat more grain than protein. Expert opinion: Babies should gradually start eating grains after six months, because the content of amylase in their gastrointestinal tract is very low and their digestive function is weak, not as strong as adults'. If grains are added too early or in too large a quantity, it can easily lead to indigestion.
Misconception 2: Rice water is more nutritious than breast milk for babies. Expert opinion: The core concept of infant feeding is breastfeeding. If the conditions for breastfeeding are good and the milk supply is sufficient, breastfeeding should be guaranteed. Rice water can be used as a supplement, but babies should not drink too much of it. The main component of rice water is carbohydrates, with about 10 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters. If rice water is used to replace milk to feed the baby, it will lead to insufficient nutritional intake.
Misconception 3: It's necessary to add complementary foods to babies early. Some elderly people believe that babies can start complementary foods at two to three months to grow faster. Expert opinion: Adding complementary foods is a process to help infants transition in food variety, gradually shifting from a diet primarily based on milk to one based on grains. However, this should not be rushed; it should be done gradually, according to the baby's age and actual needs. Fish liver oil can be added at 2-3 months, and egg yolk, rice water, and vegetable juice can be added at 5-6 months. Fish paste, rice cereal, fruit puree, minced meat, and soy products can be added at 7-9 months. Congee, rice, noodles, fruits, and vegetables can be added at 10-12 months. When adding complementary foods, be sure to follow these principles: 1. Start with a small amount and increase gradually, 2. Start with a single food and introduce more varieties, 3. Start with coarse textures and move to finer ones, 4. Start with soft foods and move to harder ones.
Misconception 4: It's better to give babies vegetable water than plain water. Expert opinion: Most elderly people think vegetable water is better than plain water, so they boil food and then give the baby the resulting water. This is a wrong view. Babies should drink more plain boiled water, which is beneficial for excreting metabolic products and reducing the burden on the baby's kidneys.
Misconception 5: Babies who haven't grown teeth can't eat. Expert opinion: This view is incorrect. Generally, babies start teething at around 6 months, but some may start earlier or later. Regardless of when they start teething, complementary foods should be added at 5-6 months. They can eat some egg yolk, rice cereal, etc., which is more beneficial for their growth and development.
Misconception 6: It's fine for babies to eat adult food. Expert opinion: This view is also completely wrong. Because adult food has a stronger flavor and contains more salt, if babies often eat adult food, their excessive salt intake will affect kidney function and is not conducive to their growth and development. It is recommended that the elderly change this habit.
Misconception 7: Sweet drinks are good for babies. Expert opinion: Babies should drink less beverages. Drinking too much can easily affect their appetite and reduce digestive function, leading to diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Therefore, eating fresh fruits is better than drinking sweet beverages.
Misconception 8: Keep feeding the baby so they get chubby, which is healthier. Expert opinion: Many elderly people have the misconception that "it's better to be full than hungry." With better living conditions now, babies' nutritional intake can easily become excessive, leading to many overweight children. If a baby is constantly fed, it can overload their gastrointestinal system, often causing indigestion and food stagnation. A child who has diarrhea and fever every few days is often simply eating too much. We don't advocate letting them go hungry, but they should eat in moderation.
Misconception 9: Babies should be bundled up tightly to prevent colds. Expert opinion: Dressing a child should be seasonal; they shouldn't be bundled up tightly all year round, as this can actually make them more prone to colds. This is a reminder to the elderly that dressing children should be scientific and reasonable. Dress them more when it's cold and less when it's hot, according to the ambient temperature.
Misconception 10: If a baby cries, it must be hungry, and they should be fed. Expert opinion: A baby's crying can be due to other reasons. If the baby is formula-fed, "scheduled feeding" is recommended.
Misconception 11: A small appetite means the baby has a poor appetite. Expert opinion: There are differences in appetite size among babies at any age. Mothers should not judge whether a baby is eating well based on the size of their appetite. Some babies may have a small appetite, but as long as their growth and development indicators are normal, they are healthy.
Misconception 12: Since the baby doesn't like to eat, just give them more snacks. Expert opinion: There are many reasons why a baby may not like to eat. Parents should communicate well with the doctor to find the cause as much as possible, instead of forcing them to eat or chasing them with food. Furthermore, giving more snacks is counterproductive, as it can suppress the appetite, leading to even more anorexia and feeding difficulties, which is not conducive to the baby's healthy growth.