A parenthood journey is an exciting course of life. You’ll witness your little one’s transitions. His growth may be fast, and his preferences may have changed quickly too. Well, there’s nothing to worry about because it’s a dictate of nature. Just be prepared to guide him no matter how challenging it would be.
If part of his growth is food exploration, let him do it even if it becomes messy. It’s another developmental task he should learn. Besides, it is entertaining to witness his first reactions to new foods and tastes, isn’t it?
This post will discuss the baby’s feeding essentials, giving you valuable insights on how to handle this stage of his life.
What You Must Know
Your baby might be an enthusiastic eater, which is good to know. You don’t need to push hard on what to eat. But how will you know that he is ready to eat solid foods? Below are a few of the cues you can check on:
- He can sit alone all by himself.
- Capable of raising his head up.
- Throws an interest in foods.
- Weight has at least doubled.
These things are observable when his age falls between four and six months. Once confirmed, start making a list of feeding essentials for your baby. You may also consult his paediatrician if you are unsure.
The Transition
It is inarguably true that breastmilk is the best and complete source of nutrients for your baby. But as his growth and development accelerate, providing him with additional nutrition is needed.
When he reaches six months older, start giving him solid foods to keep up his growing needs. It is vital for maintaining his healthy weight and strength. You may introduce to him at least two or three spoons of healthy solid foods twice a day. They could be mashed vegetables such as potato and squash or blended fruits.
The Materials
Handling the baby’s transition includes safety, as always. It must be on top of your priority list. Every product he uses must be certified with non-toxic materials. It is a crucial responsibility, and you can narrow down your preferences to three types of materials.
- Silicone stands longer against the heat, and it is non-toxic.
- Glass is safe to use as compared to plastic. It doesn’t leech to foods because of its stable chemical composition. Furthermore, it has a high resistance to harmful chemicals.
- Stainless steel is awesome material if you are looking for durability. It is the best fit for wear and tear type of usage.
What Are the Harmful Chemicals?
Below are a few of the chemicals you should be watchful. They’re often found in plastic wares.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – is an extremely toxic chemical to the human body and the environment. Plus, it comes with more dangerous additives linked to reproductive problems, asthma, allergies, and other medical conditions.
- BPA + BPS (bisphenols) – These chemicals are considered endocrine disruptors linked to prostate cancer, female infertility, breast cancer, etc.
Babies Feeding Essentials
Are you prepared now for your baby’s food adventure? Below is stuff you can add to your list.
- CPR: To others, this might not be of strong importance. But you need to have this for your child’s safety. Exploring solid foods might go off the lane. He can get choked at any time, which is risky.
- High chair with footplate: It helps to reduce the choking risk as your child starts to eat solid foods. As long as your child can independently control his head in an upright position with a stable trunk, this tool helps to minimise choking incidence.
- Bibs: Choose one that can be tied at his back. He can’t pull it and shall not bother his neck. But it must be sleek and convenient on his body. Of course, it should be easy to wash and clean.
- Nursing Pillow: It might not be compulsory, but it does help in handling a baby’s weight while feeding him. It is your support from the toll of back pain or neck pain.
- Burp Cloth: Definitely, a handy cloth that catches your baby’s spits upon burping.
- Food Warmer: It helps to keep your baby’s food warm for two hours and prevents the growth of bacteria.
- Spoons, cups, and plates: In the early months of your baby, you can gradually introduce him to eating utensils that are easier to grasp by his tiny hands, like spoons. “Spoons are great to have baby play with at mealtime even if they are not using them for food. Infants can be introduced to a spoon earlier than we expect them to learn how to use it,” Ashley Anttila, MD, Nemours Children’s Health, Delaware, tells Verywell Family.
- Splash Mat: Expect that even if the high chair has space for messed foods, some portions do really land on the floor. They can be sticky and hard to clean if you don’t use a splash mat.
- Baby Food Maker: You’ll definitely need this if you’re fond of preparing a bunch of foods for your baby.
Conclusion
Every child is unique, but all kids undergo growth and developmental stages of life. As parents, you must always be ready to face the challenges that come along with it. Preparing feeding essentials can be done ahead of time.
But if you are a breastfeeding mom, there is nothing to make a fuss about yet. You can wait until he reaches four or six months old. Then, start making a list of feeding essentials to match his transitions.