Food and Formula

When it comes to your baby, we don’t need to tell you that you’re going to do whatever you can to make sure that they’re eating a healthy diet, one that is safe, and one that can help them to grow up big and strong. And so, it’s only natural that you’re going to be skeptical of most of the advice that comes your way, and that you’re probably going to double-check every tidbit you receive.

Don’t resist that. Being skeptical is something that makes you a good parent. There are limits, of course, and some parents you’ll meet are simply distrustful of literally everything and anything, whether or not it’s backed up by facts and solid research. The important thing when raising your first child, though, is that you think with your brain, and not your heart. When it comes to what’s best for your child, you have to know. Having a “feeling” that this or that is best simply isn’t enough, you need to know.

What you need to look for, when deciding on baby food and formula, is good, solid facts. Logical facts are the only thing that you really have to go on when determining what your baby needs and at what stage, and you’re going to want to lean them as much as possible. You can cross-reference these if you like, but these are three myths about baby food, formula and feeding that have got to go:

Myth 1: Breastfeeding in Public is Illegal

In… Read the rest

Starting Baby On Solid Foods

At about the age of four months, you may notice your little one starting to pay very close attention to you as you eat. Sometimes, babies will have such a look of longing, staring raptly as your fork moves from your plate to your mouth, that it may make you feel as though you are starving the poor little one. This behavior is completely natural, however, and is part of your baby preparing to eat solid foods.

When To Start Feeding Solids?

Opinions vary on this, but the absolute minimum age your baby should be is four months old. Their digestive systems just have not developed enough to handle solid foods before then. Many experts suggest waiting until six months old to introduce solids, but you can follow your baby’s cues and let them have little tastes after four months if they act ready. Let your baby lead the way when it is time to try solids – rushing too fast can cause digestive troubles and possibly cause your baby to react negatively to feeding.

What Should I Feed My Baby?

The first solids you introduce to your baby should be very simple and easy to digest. Typical starter foods are baby cereals such as rice, oats and barley, or simple one-ingredient baby foods such as sweet potatoes, peas or carrots. If you plan to feed commercial baby foods, look for foods marked Stage 1 to guide you in your decision.

You can also… Read the rest