Baby’s nutritional needs
Six-month-old babies are in a period of rapid growth and need adequate nutrition to support the development of their bodies and brains. Breast milk is the best source of nutrients, but some babies may need complementary foods to meet their nutritional needs. Based on the baby\’s growth and development needs, the baby\’s nutritional needs should be considered from the following four aspects:
1. Carbohydrates
Six-month-old babies need to consume an appropriate amount of carbohydrates as a source of energy. It is best to choose foods containing complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, oats, bread, etc. These foods contain dietary fiber and are rich in nutrients.
2.Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for body development and tissue repair. A six-month-old baby needs about 10 grams of protein per day. It is recommended to choose chicken, red meat, fish, soybeans, eggs and other foods. It should be noted that all meat needs to be cooked before being eaten by your baby to avoid bacterial infection.
3. Fat
Fat is one of the main sources of energy for your baby\’s brain and body. Enough fat can help your baby develop a smart brain and a strong body. It is recommended to pay special attention to the intake of unsaturated fatty acids, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, nuts and fish.
4. Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are very important for your baby\’s growth and development. Foods containing zinc and iron are recommended, such as egg yolks, beef, liver, nuts such as walnuts and almonds, and agricultural products such as cheese and yogurt.
Introduction to complementary foods for babies
The introduction of complementary foods is the first important stage, and it is also a time when interaction and discipline between parents and children are tested. So, what foods are suitable for babies?
1. Rice juice
Rice juice is the best start for babies aged six months. Some fresh rice milk mixed with liquid salt and vitamin D provides proper nutrition to your baby. You can use rice juice before introducing any food to your baby to help your baby adjust to the taste.
2. Vegetable puree
Vegetable puree is an important part of recording the baby\’s journey of adding complementary foods, and it will also help the vegetable ingredients become easier for the baby to digest. Fresh vegetable purees, purees, or other soft foods can be stuck to your baby\’s spoon and fed slowly to your baby. The most common vegetable purees are carrots, sweet potatoes, etc.
3. Purees and juices
Purees and juices should be considered as snacks and not as your baby\’s main source of nutrition. Too much juice can cause diarrhea, bloating, or other digestive problems in your baby because the excess water content is not conducive to your baby\’s digestion and absorption.
How to supplement nutrition for babies
Even if your baby is eating well at every meal, sometimes he still needs to supplement with necessary nutrients. How to properly supplement nutrition during the baby\’s growth and development?
1. Make good use of flour
Making good use of flour can add rich nutrients to your baby\’s diet, including dietary fiber, iron, zinc and vitamin B, etc. Try using whole wheat flour instead of traditional white flour to make it easier for your babyEasily absorb nutrients from cereals.
2. Cook with a variety of ingredients
Try to use a variety of ingredients when cooking your baby\’s meals, as each food has its own unique nutritional profile. Changing the recipe every month and combining different meats with seasonal fruits and vegetables can provide your baby with a comprehensive and balanced nutritional supply.
3. Supplement infant formula milk powder
When the baby cannot get enough nutrients through food, mothers can use formula to supplement the energy and nutrients the baby needs. Choose formula suitable for your baby\’s age and special needs, such as infant formula, diabetic formula, gastrointestinal discomfort formula, etc.
Notes
When adding complementary foods to babies, parents should pay special attention to the following points:
1. Don’t rush to add food
There is no need to add complementary foods before the baby is four months old, because the baby\’s intestines and stomach cannot process these foods at this time. You need to wait until the baby is about six months old before adding it.
2. Avoid adding salty foods
Salty foods can endanger the baby\’s kidney function and cause edema and metabolic problems. Mothers are advised not to add salty foods.
3. Avoid spicy and greasy food
Chili, ginger, garlic, etc. can easily cause gastrointestinal diseases. Your baby\’s gastrointestinal tract is very delicate, so do not take the risk of trying to add these foods.
4. Only add pure food
Make sure the food your baby eats is pure, without added spices, preservatives or other chemicals to avoid adverse effects on your baby\’s health.
Summary
To provide your baby with balanced nutrition, you need to pay attention to the combination and addition of food, and you must ensure the purity and safety of the food. Before adding complementary food to your baby, be sure to read food labels carefully to confirm the ingredients and quality of the food. Parents need to guide their babies to develop healthy eating habits so that they can thrive with a balanced nutritional supply.
