Patient's question:
My child is still not eating any food other than breast milk. I'm worried about nutritional deficiencies. What supplementary foods should I start giving now?At three and a half months, what kind of assistance is needed:
My child is still not eating any food other than breast milk. I'm worried about nutritional deficiencies. What supplementary foods should I start giving now...
Doctor's answer:
The supplementary foods provided for the baby must be suitable for the baby's age. If supplementary foods are introduced too early, the baby may experience vomiting and nausea again due to immature digestive function, leading to digestive disorders. Introducing them too late may result in malnutrition and even refusal to eat non-milk liquid foods. Follow a gradual progression from one to multiple different types of foods based on the baby's nutritional needs and increasing digestive capacity. Start by introducing one appropriate food for the baby's age and try it for 3 to 4 days or a week. If the baby's digestion is good and bowel movements are normal, then try another food. Never introduce multiple new foods too quickly. If the baby is allergic to a particular food, it will be noticeable within the trial period.Recommendations:
The main food should be based on breast milk or formula milk, with other foods serving as digestive supplements. The supplementary foods provided should be fresh, hygienic, and palatable. When preparing food for the baby, do not prioritize nutrition over taste. This can not only interfere with the baby's taste development and for future meat deficiency but may also make the baby dislike supplementary foods, affecting nutrient intake.
Cultivating a positive attitude toward bowel movements:
When feeding supplementary foods, first create a happy and harmonious environment for bowel movements. It is best to feed the baby when they are in a good mood and alert. If the baby is reluctant to eat, never force them.
Order of supplementary foods for infants:
4-5 months: Iron-fortified rice porridge, vegetable puree, fruit puree
6-7 months: Thin porridge, soft noodles, vegetable paste, egg yolk, fish puree, tofu, animal blood
8-9 months: Meat paste, animal internal organs, baked bread slices, teething biscuits, crackers, eggs
10-12 months: Thick porridge, soft rice, meat pieces, vegetable pieces, dumplings
Wishing the baby and mother good health and a happy New Year!