How Much Should Your Baby Be Eating?
As a parent, we’re ALWAYS going to be concerned about our kids and their nutrition. The early stages of a child's life are crucial for their growth and development, and establishing healthy eating habits plays a significant role in their overall health.
If you’ve ever found yourself asking “How much should your baby be eating?”, you’ve come to the right place. Every baby is unique, and their dietary needs may vary based on their age, weight, and individual growth patterns.
Here are some things you should keep in mind when considering your child’s nutritional needs:
Introducing Solid Foods
At the 6 months mark, you should begin balancing breastfeeding and solid foods to ensure a well-balanced diet. It is important to approach this milestone with caution and follow the recommended guidelines. Start with small amounts of pureed foods, gradually increasing the quantity as your baby grows.
Begin with small amounts of pureed food, and with time, introduce a larger portion size when they show signs of being ready for more.
Encourage independence
As your baby grows older and gains more control over their motor skills, they may begin to show interest in self-feeding and exploring different textures. This is a great opportunity to introduce finger foods and encourage independent eating.
Cut small portions of fruits, veggies, and make sure dishes like pasta are cooked well and are easy to chew. Give them some independence in portion control and don’t put a whole lot of pressure on them to finish their meals. Make sure the environment is positive!
Keep an eye out for signs
It is important to be attentive to hunger and fullness cues. Babies are smarter than we realize, and they have unique ways of communicating with us!
Some signs of hunger include rooting, sucking on fists, or increased alertness. On the other hand, signs of fullness include turning their head away, pushing food away, or losing interest in eating. Be attentive to these signals and avoid pressuring your baby to eat more than they want.
In conclusion, portion control for tiny tummies is all about allowing your baby to guide their own eating habits while providing a variety of nutritious options.
Regular visits to your paediatrician will help ensure that your baby is on the right track with their growth and development.
Enjoy this journey, because this will lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits for your baby :)
