Newborns should breastfeed exclusively and as often as they want for their first six months, if possible, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Early introduction of foods other than breast milk has risks, as the infant’s digestive and immune systems are still developing.
Additionally, your baby may also be at increased risk for developing allergies, diarrhea, choking, disease from food-borne illnesses, excess weight gain, and high blood pressure during childhood and as an adult.
After six months, breastfeeding should continue as often as the child wants, and “complementary foods” can begin to be introduced in small amounts. Complementary foods are foods given along with breast milk to meet baby’s needs for growth. Until two years of age, continue complementary foods, gradually increasing quantities and frequency, as the child gets older.
Babies are ready for complementary food if they can sit up with support and have good head and neck control. Also, they’re ready if they have lost the “tongue thrust” reflex and are able to swallow solids. Other clues are that they are able to pick up objects with their thumb and index finger, and they appear interested in family meals and reach for food.
Complementary foods are an addition to breast milk, not a replacement. Breast milk should continue to provide 35 to 40 percent of infants’ total daily energy needs for 12 to 23 months. Begin with a few teaspoons of these foods two or three times daily for the six- to eight-month old baby. By nine to 11 months, complementary foods should be offered three or four times daily. By 12 to 24 months, they should be offered three to four times daily with one or two additional nutritious snacks.
Other guidelines to consider include:
- Offer complementary foods after breastfeeding to avoid overfeeding with solids and decreasing mother’s milk supply
- Offer only one new food at a time
- Offer very small portions (a few teaspoons at a time)
- Vary tastes and textures
- Consult with an allergist or your healthcare provider before offering potentially allergy producing foods (peanut products, eggs, milk)
Offer a variety of healthy foods that are easy to prepare. Vitamin-A rich fruits, vegetables, meat, chicken, and fish are all good ideas. Avoid drinks such as soda or juice drinks. Check with your healthcare professional about the need for vitamin/mineral supplements or fortified products.
Watch for hunger cues and signs that your child is finished eating. Feed slowly and patiently. Encourage children to eat, but do not force them. Minimize distractions and provide a relaxed atmosphere for the meal.
Remember, as your child grows, breastfeeding and breast milk can continue to provide a large portion of your child’s nutritional needs. Breast milk provides continuous, ongoing immunological protection as baby becomes more and more exposed to germs. Breastfeeding provides comfort and security as baby explores his world. Babies have a physiological need to suck well into the second year. Breastfeeding helps mother and baby “reconnect” after separations due to employment or other reasons.
Breastfeeding an older baby can be challenging, though. Maintaining the milk supply can be hard, especially as you begin to lead a more active routine. Other problems for women who are breastfeeding older babies may include plugged ducts, mastitis, and thrush. What works for a friend may not work for you. Remember that breastfeeding is a very personal experience between you and your child.
Your healthcare professional and/or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can offer advice on infant care and development issues that affect the breastfeeding relationship. An IBCLC can also identify potential infant problems, refer to primary care providers, and teach hand expression and/or use of breast pumps.
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