of parenting books. “When a baby is
exposed to a new germ, mother’s body
manufactures antibodies to that germ.”
One study suggests that these maternal
antibodies in breastmilk improve an
infant’s intestinal immune system—an
effect that continues to benefit baby
well into adulthood.
Breastfeeding exclusively for the
first six months has been shown to sig-
nificantly lessen the risk and severity of
food allergies in families with a strong
history of them. It may also reduce the
risk of skin sensitivities, like eczema.
It’s important to keep in mind that
maintaining a sufficient milk supply
requires mother to nurse frequently
- nursing is all about supply and
demand. When you start introducing
solids, baby may take less breastmilk
because calories are being provided
elsewhere. But babies under six
months of age get all of the calories
and nutrients they need from breast-
milk, so there is no need to put your
supply at risk by introducing solids.
Babies are unique, every baby is
different, and every baby develops
at different speeds. Some babies are
more advanced and may be ready for
solid foods around five or five and a
half months; other babies may not be
ready for solid foods until seven or
eight months. Watch your baby, not the
calendar! Look for these signs that your
baby is ready for solid foods:
• Baby is about six months old
• Baby is able to sit, unsupported
• Baby has lost his tongue-thrust
reflex, meaning that he does not
push foods out of his mouth with
his tongue
• Baby can pick things up between
his fingers and thumb.
When you do introduce solids, don’t
rush it. Only introduce one food at a
time and wait a few days before adding
other items. In order to maintain your
milk supply, offer the breast before
offering solid food. Most babies are
happy to begin with fruits, such as
bananas, unsweetened applesauce or
avocados. Baked or boiled sweet pota-
toes, cut in tiny chunks, mashed white
potatoes and baby carrots, green beans,
peas and squash are also nutritional
first foods.
The WHO recommends that, in
addition to breastmilk, baby eats solids
• 2-3 times a day between
6-8 months,
• 3-4 times a day between
9-11 months,
• 3-4 times a day with an
additional snack
• 3-4 times a day with an additional
snack 1-2 times a day between
12-24 months. HAPPY
MOMENTS
Babies grow up very quickly. Savor that
brief time when you are exclusively
breastfeeding. Introducing solids is also
the beginning of weaning. You needn’t
hurry when it comes to feeding your
baby complementary foods- your baby
will let you know when he or she is
ready to begin eating table food. Located at 69 North Shore Rd,
Hamilton Parish.
Serving families in the Eastern
Parishes and beyond since 1998.
References:
Introducing Solids: Why You Should
Wait Until 6 Months:
https://www.mamanatural.com/
introducing-solids/
Babies Spitting Up—Normal in
Most Cases:
https://www.fda.gov/con-
sumers/consumer-updates/
babies-spitting-normal-most-cases
The American Academy of Pediatrics:
http://pediatrics.aappublica-
tions.org/content/129/3/e827.
full#content-block
Nursery and
Preschool
Where Your Child Learns
for a Brighter Future
Your child‘s day is comprised of
opportunities to build an excellent
foundation for the early years of
education. Our approach to teaching
provides our children with sound moral
principles, exploratory learning, early
literary skills, monthly Early Years
programs with the Bermuda National
Gallery, Bermuda Gymnastics, Music
Classes with Simons Music School
and Spanish.
Teachers Qualified ECE, First Aid &
CPR Certification, SCARS Trained
and Vetted Staff.
Accepting students 18 months
to four years of age.
The Infant Microbiome: Implications
for Infant Health and Neurocognitive
Development:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/
articles/PMC4681407/
When is the right time to start infants
on solid foods:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/
releases/2018/01/180104120250.htm
Starting Solids, La Leche League
International:
https://www.llli.org/
breastfeeding-info/starting-solids/
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Currently accepting applications
2019/20. Contact us at 737-8385 or
[email protected]
mybermudaparent.com
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