Breastfeeding is very important for your baby from the moment he or she is born . In terms of growth and development, it is important to feed your baby exclusively with breast milk for the first 6 months. Breast milk has all the nutrients your baby needs. It is therefore recommended that you breastfeed your baby as much as possible. As long as your milk is sufficient, you can feed your baby exclusively with breast milk for the first 6 months.
At some point, you need to accustom your baby to supplementary food. The transition to supplementary food in infants is one of the most curious topics for parents. If your baby’s physical and mental development points to the right time, you can start the first attempts at introducing additional foods . Many adults who are responsible for the baby’s care are sometimes looking for ways to make a planned introduction earlier.
When Should Babies Transition to Solid Food?
If the breastfeeding mother’s milk is not enough or preferably does not want to breastfeed, when should the transition to supplementary food in babies be and the start of supplementary food in babies is a matter of intense curiosity. The moment when your baby starts to gain autonomy at some point is the additional food process in which he/she switches to additional food and distances himself/herself from the breast. For babies at the appropriate developmental level, transition to solid food is recommended between4 and 6 months. from 6 months onwards, you can start the steps to transition to solid food .
One of themost important things you need to know during the transition to supplementary food in babies is to have information about foods that strengthen the baby’s immune system. The baby may give clues that he/she is ready for the transition to additional food. Reaching for the food on the table and tending to eat it gives you a clue that it is the right time for the transition to supplementary food.
Transition to Supplementary Food for Babies
It is possible to advance the process of supplementary food by consulting your doctor. The list of transition to solid food in babies should be very light in the first months. 6-month-old baby‘s transition to supplementary food is based on fruit puree, yogurt and vegetables. In the following months, it is recommended to switch to animal products that are not calcium-intensive. after 9 months, babies should be able to start tasting cooked table food. You should take care not to force your baby to eat during the supplementary food process and try to ensure that he/she develops the habit of eating on his/her own.
How Should I Transition to Supplementary Food?
- Keep in mind that every food your baby tries is new to them and do not force them to eat foods they do not like.
- When you feed your baby during the process of getting used to additional food, you should give small amounts. To avoid digestive problems for your baby, you should give a small amount of additional food in a single meal .
- You should give your baby each different food at intervals of 2 to 3 days . You should not add salt and sugar to the recipes you prepare for him/her.
- The supplementary food process should be supported by breast milk. If your baby is not full after feeding a small amount of additional food, you can give breast milk.
- If the baby spoon you choose when your baby starts supplementary food is fun, the process of getting used to it can be easy. If your baby pushes the spoon away when you try to feed him or her, he or she may not be used to the spoon but not to the additional food. In such a case, you can try hand feeding.
During the transition to supplementary food, some breast milk may increase. In such cases, it is important to store breast milk, every drop of which is very precious for your baby, under suitable conditions. With breast milk storage bottles, it is possible to keep your milk clean and fresh for a long time.