Baby Health Advice

A very common question that every mom asks herself during her baby’s first year is what do I feed her? And when exactly shall I do it? Here is some baby health advice for food and nutrition. For the first four to six months your baby starts out with the simple requirement of either breast milk or formula so there is no need to give anything else. But what happens after the milk stage is over? This is the time to learn what types of foods to introduce into your baby’s diet at a certain stage of her development. Introduction of additional food into the baby’s diet earlier than six months could adversely affect the amount of breast milk, because the baby will suck the breast less vigorously and less often, and that will reduce the amount of milk secretion. Besides, there is the problem of introducing infection. Your baby’s digestive system too needs to mature a bit so that she can handle the new foods in her diet. It is very essential to know that not all babies will be ready for solids at the same time. In general, your baby is ready for solid food if your baby’s birth weight has doubled since birth, she is able to sit without support or if she frequently puts things into her mouth and seems to be hungry. If your baby can do all of the above activities she is probably ready to be introduced to solid foods. Your doctor will provide you with valuable advice in this matter.

Four to six months: It is the time to introduce semi solid food in your baby’s diet. Initially your baby may not accept semi solids easily. Do not compel her to eat. You should start with little amount of baby cereal thinned with breast milk or formula. You can introduce your baby to fruit juices that are diluted with water.

Six to seven months: You can add mashed/strained fruits and vegetables in the diet of your baby along with the cereals. Always start with about a teaspoon and increase the amount gradually as the baby gets used to the new food. Try to make meal time a happy time for your baby.
Seven to eight months: From seven to eight months you can think about adding protein foods to your baby’s diet. Protein foods consist of strained meats, cottage cheese, egg yolk, yogurt, and dried beans. As with the case of fruits and vegetables, you should try to introduce one new food at a time and wait for 2 to 4 days before introducing a new food, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing.

Eight to twelve months: By this time your baby will be ready to start eating what the rest of the family is eating. Start by adding mashed potatoes, squash, soft meats, and soups. As the baby gets more teeth she will be able to add more foods to her diet. As you gradually introduce your baby to food during the first year you should keep in mind that every baby is different and may or may not follow the above schedule. You will also find that your baby soon has her favorite foods that she looks forward to eating. Try to listen to your baby and try and make the meal time a happy time for your baby.

Becoming a mom changes a woman’s life in a myriad different ways. For one there is a little bundle of joy in your life. You will have to spend a lot of time caring for the little bundle of jou. The most important thing you can do for the health of your upcoming child is to plan well ahead. This means getting your body in the best condition possible. The more fit you are before you become pregnant the better the chances are that your child will be born healthy. It is important to follow the immunization schedule strictly as advised by your doctor to keep babies healthy.

All vaccines protect the child against one or other disease and should be scrupulously administered to the baby as per schedule. Keeping your baby’s immunization records up to date is a very important factor for your baby’s health. Immunizations are usually given from birth to early childhood. Your child can be immunized safely during routine “checkup” visits to your doctor or clinic.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies should receive the following vaccinations:

• Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib)
• Inactivated polio (IPV)
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP)
• Pneumococcal (PCV)
• Hepatitis B (Hep B)
• Influenza (flu)
• Varicella (chickenpox)

Babies are born equipped with a natural immunity which is further strengthened by colostrums from the mother. But this shield quickly wears off leaving the baby susceptible to infection. Immunizations involve medicines administered orally or injected are routine procedural shots that can keep your child healthy for a lifetime. Most of the immunizations are for diseases that generally are seen in the early years of a child’s life and others will help to prevent your baby from getting particular illnesses over the course of their entire life. Although the experience of getting these vaccinations is very painful for a baby but they are well worth for the long term health of the child. These vaccinations protect your baby from very serious diseases.

Babies can become very ill and may even die if they are allowed to develop the diseases that are prevented by these shots. If immunization is due, do not postpone it just because your baby has a mild cough, cold or diarrhea. Children keep getting minor problems like these. However if the baby is seriously ill don’t immunize the child then. First attend to his or her illness and give the vaccines later on. Your doctor or health care clinic will advise you when it is time for your baby’s first shot, which normally occurs at three months. As new vaccines are being added frequently, your doctor will keep you informed of them and when to give. Do keep a record of all the immunizations given to your child so that the baby completes the course as per schedule.