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Introduction of complementary foods at 5 months with breastfeeding: how to introduce
If a breastfed baby is gaining weight normally and is developing well, then it is better for mom to start introducing new products into the baby’s menu when he is 6 months old. However, sometimes a pediatrician can recommend complementary foods from as early as 5 months. How to do it correctly and what products to give preference to so that the baby grows up healthy.
How to understand when breastfeeding you need complementary foods at 5 months
WHO experts believe that breast milk contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals for the full development of the baby. But with a lack of weight and a lack of nutrients, especially iron and calcium, it is recommended to introduce complementary foods from 5 months.
Complementary feeding at 5 months with breastfeeding is introduced with insufficient weight gain
If you notice changes in the baby’s behavior and suspect that he does not have enough milk, consult a pediatrician.
The doctor prescribes complementary foods when breastfeeding a baby at 5 months according to the following indicators:
- the child is not gaining weight well;
- during night feeding does not suck for long and begins to whimper;
- applied to the breast up to 15 times / day.
For premature babies or seriously ill immediately after birth, complementary foods are recommended only when their body weight becomes three times more than at birth.
The baby is ready for new food if he has already learned how to sit, watches with interest what adults eat, does not push the spoon out of his mouth.
How to introduce new products and which ones to choose
A variety of vegetable purees of a pasty consistency are useful for all children as complementary foods. After a few months, chunks can be added to develop chewing skills. The additional menu should consist of light foods: pumpkin puree, broccoli, zucchini; milk porridge from rice, buckwheat; baked green apple puree.
When starting to give complementary foods, consider the following:
- The dish must be one-component, you can not mix different products and serve together.
- It is not recommended to add sugar or salt. The child should receive the natural taste of the product. Can be 3 g / day of corn or butter.
- Avoid gluten-containing and allergenic foods – honey, chicken broth, yolk (contains cholesterol), dairy products – kefir is given after six months.
- Boil fresh vegetables well for puree.
- The first days, give food in small portions, start with 5 g of porridge or vegetable puree, gradually increasing the portion to 100/150 g / day, if there is no allergy. The daily norm of cottage cheese is up to 40 g, and green apple puree – up to 60 g.
- Offer a new dish before 2 or 3 feedings; after two weeks, replace one feeding with complementary foods.
Juices should not be given to a baby, they contain too much sugar and negatively affect digestion. A week after the first feeding, you can give your baby water. The amount of food eaten increases and there is a need for additional amount of liquid.
Do everything gradually, carefully monitoring the baby’s reaction. Then the transition to a new diet will go smoothly and strengthen the baby’s health.