What is baby feeding?
Infant feeding comprises the feeding of an infant from birth to 24 months of age. During the first six months of life it should be breast milk or, if this is not possible, artificial. From six months onwards, complementary feeding can be started. Nowadays there are complementary feeding treatments such as Baby-Led Weaning, which consists of, from 6 months onwards, allowing the child to gradually experience different textures by placing different healthy and varied foods on the table and allowing them to choose what they want.
Baby feeding includes feeding the baby from birth to 24 months of age.
Why is it done?
Baby feeding is important to avoid any disease related to infant malnutrition. The first year of a baby’s life is crucial for both physical and mental growth. It is important to consult a specialist in pediatrics or infant nutrition and follow the advice and recommendations, since they are the ones who study and know the condition of the child. In addition, hygiene must be taken into account, so it is advisable to sterilize teats, pacifiers and bottles during the first 6 months of life.
What does it consist of?
There are three phases, although all of them coincide in one thing, the intake of milk, preferably breast milk:
- From 0 to 6 months: the baby consumes exclusively milk, since being in the process of development only uses its reflexes to seek sucking and swallowing.
- From 6 to 12 months: from 6 months the milk intake may not be enough and they may start looking for a more complete feeding, introducing solids. Between 7 and 9 months, rhythmic chewing begins, even without teeth, so it is a good time to start adding foods such as porridges, purees, food in pieces, etc.
- From 13 to 24 months: From the first year the child can begin to develop his taste as he begins to try new flavors, textures… It is convenient to progressively expand the range of foods so that at two years he can begin to eat in a similar way to an adult.