Nine questions that mothers need to know about infant feeding

How should breastfeeding be?

Breastfeeding is ideal for child in the first year of life. It should be exclusive (no added water or teas) until the first six months of life. In the second half of the year, breastmilk continues to be important, but new foods must be introduced gradually. Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child and should be encouraged for all babies, always taking into account maternal willingness, availability and dedication.

When to give vitamins and iron to my child?

Healthy children need vitamin supplements and prophylactic iron from six months of age when new foods are introduced in addition to breast milk. This prevents iron deficiency anemia (iron deficiency), so common in this age group. Premature infants and low birth weight infants should initiate these vitamin supplements from the seventh day of life.

What is the best milk for a baby who is not breastfed?

In cases where breastfeeding is impossible, pediatricians should guide weaning by giving support for mothers and baby. Preference should be given to enriched milk formulas. Cow's milk is not the most adequate food for the child in the first year of life, since it has low iron content and low bioavailability, besides causing blood losses in the faeces and being high in electrolytes and protein content, which can overload the functioning of the kidneys. In addition, cow's milk has inadequate amounts of some vitamins and linoleic acid.

And in those cases where cow's milk is used? What to do?

It is necessary to add 5% sugar and 3% corn oil. After the three months of life, 3% of flour can be added.

When to start fruit juices?

Natural fruit juices and prepared at the time of administration can be introduced from two months of age to those infants who are not exclusively breastfed, ie those who are receiving artificial breastfeeding. It should be offered during sunbathing in the morning, with little or no added sugar, at most 100 ml. They do not replace a bottle with milk.

And the fruit potatoes?

Fruit potatoes are introduced from four months in infants and from six months on exclusive breastfeeding. Always introduce each fruit separately. Then they can be mixed. You can start with kneaded banana, followed by shaved apple, pear, papaya, avocado, etc. and then join two or more at a time. In fruit potatoes carbohydrates can be placed after the introduction of the fruits alone. The potatoes should be offered in the spoon. Babies have a tongue-thrusting motion, they seem to be spitting the food, but that does not mean they are refusing the offered fruit. Slowly this movement is disappearing. This phase trains the child to swallow solid and semi-solid foods.

Salted potatoes. How should it be prepared?

This meal should be consistent and include one or more of the food groups listed below. They should be introduced gradually

Food groups rich in certain nutrients:

- Animal proteins: beef, chicken meat (give preference to wild boar), liver or other viscera, fish

- Vegetable proteins: beans, lentils, soybeans, chickpeas, legumes in general;

- Carbohydrates: potatoes, potatoes, manioc, pumpkin, zucchini, sweet potatoes, pasta, rice, wheat flour , sprinkle, etc.

- Foods rich in vitamins and minerals: watercress, cabbage, lettuce, parsley, cabbage, spinach, pod, cauliflower, broccoli, arugula, parsley, onion, chives, tomatoes, etc. Preference should be given to natural seasonings such as parsley, spring onion, fine herbs, garlic and onion to reduce the amount of salt in the foods offered to the child. One can use salt, but without exaggeration.

How to prepare the salt soup?

Bring water to the fire with the chopped ingredients and the seasonings. The amount of water should not be excessive, just what is needed to cook the food without leaving too much liquid, so the nutrients are preserved. When it is well cooked, of a more or less thick consistency, knead with a fork, braise in small amount of oil or olive oil and put a pinch of salt.

When to offer an egg to a child?

From the six months, one can add to the salt potato a quarter of cooked egg yolk, increasing the quantity gradually to complete a whole yolk, about three times a week. After the first year of life, also offer boiled egg whites.

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