The parents of a newborn baby must ensure a proper diet for the child to ensure a healthy future. An excellent, pediatrician-prescribed diet lays the foundation for the proper development and health of the baby in the long run. New parents must follow several precautions to ensure their baby gets the best start. Every dietary choice in the initial few months will impact the baby’s well-being.
New parents should consult their pediatrician to learn what to feed initially, how to introduce solids, and food safety practices. In this article, we will discuss the top dietary precautions that they must follow to protect their baby’s health.
Breast Milk and Formula
Breast milk is the first line of defense, as it contains beneficial antibodies to protect the baby against infections, allergies, and chronic diseases. Breastfeeding also benefits nursing mothers, as it lowers the risk of certain cancers. This is why the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommend. breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months.
However, a recent study revealed that only 1 in 4 infants are breastfed exclusively in the first six months. Formula is a safe and nutritious alternative for mothers who are physically or psychologically unable to breastfeed.
Various types of formulas are available, including cow milk-based, soy-based, and hypoallergenic formulas. However, according to TorHoerman Law, several formulas have been linked to fatal illnesses like Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).
There are ongoing lawsuits against formula manufacturers, with the Enfamil lawsuit being the most recent. The lawsuit is being filed on behalf of parents and their children who developed NEC after consuming Enfamil baby formula. Therefore, taking precautions is necessary while choosing a formula for your baby.
Safe preparation and storage of the formula is also crucial to prevent contamination. Use sterilized bottles and nipples, and follow the instructions on the formula label. Parents should also be mindful of the feeding schedule, which varies from baby to baby depending on their age, weight, and individual needs. Newborns must be fed every 2-3 hours, while older babies can go longer between feedings.
Gradual and Safe Approach to Introduce Solids
It’s advisable to start with single-ingredient options to monitor for food-related allergies or intolerances. Foods like iron-fortified cereal with breastmilk or formula, pureed vegetables, pureed fruits, etc., are some of the best first-time foods for newborns.
Parents must gradually introduce food texture by moving from purees to mashed. As the baby grows, graduate to soft chopped food to encourage self-feeding and develop hand-eye coordination.
As for allergens, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts are some of the most common allergy-causing foods for babies. Introduce these foods to your baby one at a time in small quantities and observe for a few days.
If you see symptoms of allergy, immediately contact your pediatrician. Some other foods to avoid are honey because of botulism-causing bacteria, cow’s milk, high-mercury fish like mackerel, etc.
According to UNICEF, most babies are ready to start eating solid foods along with breast milk at six months of age. However, every baby has a unique pace of growth, and parents must consult the pediatrician to determine the best time to start a solid diet for their child.
Food Safety Practices to Protect Your Baby
As we know, newborn babies are pretty vulnerable with an underdeveloped immune system. Food safety is crucial to protect the baby from severe diseases. Parents must wash their hands before prepping the food or feeding the baby.
Take care to cook food to safe temperatures and store it properly in a refrigerator or freezer. Food left out at room temperature for a long time is a big no-no for infants, as there are higher chances of bacteria cultivating on it. Parents must also prevent cross-contamination of food by keeping baby food separate from raw meat or seafood while prepping or storing it. Read more about the Inspiring story of paul inouye wife
When reheating refrigerated or frozen food, it’s recommended to ensure that the internal temperature touches 74°C to kill any bacteria that might be present. Lastly, don’t feed food that has been reheated multiple times, as there is a higher risk of bacterial growth.
Knowing what to feed and when while practicing food safety measures is crucial for your baby’s health and growth. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can set your child on a path to a healthier life in the future. Remember to consult the pediatrician for personalized guidance every step of the way as you navigate this exciting journey of nourishing your little one.
