How To Make Sure You’re Feeding Your Baby The Best Food Possible

How To Make Sure You’re Feeding Your Baby The Best Food Possible

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As a parent, feeding your baby can be daunting from the word go. Initially, you may worry if they are getting enough milk or formula or not, and as they grow and begin to eat soft foods and solids, it can be worrying to know what they can have and when.

Do you feel like you're not sure what the best food is for your baby, or even where to start? Well, if you do then you’ve come to the right place, Dis-Chem has got you covered. In this article we look at how to take your child on the best feeding journey possible including what kinds of baby food to introduce and when.

What Food to Start With for Your Baby?

0 – 6 months:

The World Health Organisation recommends that babies be breastfed within the first hour of life and for the first six months too (further if you wish). For mothers that can breastfeed, it is recommended that you exclusively breastfeed your child. However, the reality is that some mothers can’t breastfeed, do not have enough breast milk, or need to go back to work and therefore can’t. Giving your baby formula is as good as breastfeeding your baby, and mothers should never feel ashamed of doing it. The main focus should be on having a healthy, well-fed baby, no matter how they get their first food – being milk.

There are many different types and makes of formulas out there, which can also be confusing. We always recommend asking your paediatrician or doctor for advice on the best formula for your baby’s needs.

Whether it’s breast milk or formula, the general guideline for the amount of milk babies need is:

  • 20 – 80mls in the first two weeks
  • 60 – 120mls from 2 weeks to 2 months
  • 120 – 180ml from 2 to 4 months
  • 120 – 280mls from 4 to 6 months

Every child is different of course, and you will need to gauge how much milk your child needs at every feed and how many times a day you breast or bottle feed them.

Shop the Dis-Chem range of Baby Formula products now.

How to Feed Your Baby at Every Level of Growth 

6 – 9 months:

From six months old, it is time to start weaning your baby onto solids and still continuing with milk (either breast or formula until they are approximately 18 – 24 months). The best way to start is with cereals and soft or pureed foods. The rule of thumb as to when to know your baby is ready to begin eating solids is to look for these signs:

  • Has good control of their head and neck, in other words, they can keep their heads up independently when sitting in a baby chair or on your lap.
  • Shows interest in the foods you eat and watches you eat intensely
  • Reaches for your food or groans for food you may be eating
  • Weighs at least 6kgs.

If your baby has met all of these signs and is over six months old, it’s time to start having some feeding fun with the best baby food products on the market from Dis-Chem! Bear in mind, your baby will have only a few teeth, or none at all, so starting with soft, purees and pureed food is very important. Ideal first foods for babies include:

9 months +

Around nine months, most babies begin to show signs that they are ready to try more adventurous flavours, more solid foods. Your baby should have a few teeth by now which they can use to chew more solid food with ease. When you come to this time, it’s important to remember a few points to avoid accidents:

  • Stay away from foods like nuts and popcorn until your child is over 1 year old
  • Always cut fruits and vegetables into small cubes to make it easier for them to chew and swallow.
  • When introducing meat, make sure the meat is well-cooked and also cut into small bite-size cubes.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices and flavours with your little one just stay away from using too much salt.
  • Get your babe into the habit of eating the foods that you love, so they can begin eating with you as a family. Of course, always chop up their food and make sure they are eating safely when at the table at all times.

Now is a great time to introduce your baby to snacks like finger foods, crisps and biscuits. The best quality baby food to give in terms of snacks are ones that contain a low amount of sugar (ideally no added sugar) and are low in sodium and preservatives. You can also introduce them to a variety of juices and herbal teas now too.

Shop the Dis-Chem range of Baby Snacks and Juices now.

How Much is The Best Baby Food?

When you shop at Dis-Chem online, you’ll be able to browse for the best organic baby food as well as other products that are low in sugar and salt. Our range of Food and Formula is made by the best brands in the country, tried and tested for years. 

FAQs

What is the most perfect food for babies?

From birth to six months the best food for a baby is breast milk or formula, after six months you can start introducing solids. 

What should a baby eat in a day?

Up to six months, babies only require to be fed milk every 2 – 4 hours in the form of breast milk or formula. Babies over six months still require milk daily but you can begin introducing cooked, pureed fruits and vegetables too.

What foods are good for baby brain development?

A healthy, well-fed baby that has a diet of milk and food from all food groups, will be a baby that is able to thrive, learn and grow.

At what age can I feed my baby solids?

At about nine months, most babies begin to show signs that they are ready to try more adventurous flavours, more solid foods. 


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