How to Make Finger Foods
Okay, so now that you know your infant is ready to progress to textures, what are the best finger foods to offer your baby? It is recommended to avoid foods high in sugar, such as store-bought food pouches that do not offer the nutritional benefits that come from fresh foods. Finger foods should also be soft, easy to swallow and cut into bite sizes. Also, offering finger foods promotes self-feeding and gives infants a chance to develop autonomy.
The Importance of Texture in Your Baby’s Diet
It seems to be well documented that infants are ready for complementary foods at around 6-months of age; however, the importance of introducing different textures around 9-months is not as well known. It makes sense that this transition should naturally occur if the goal for infants is to enjoy a variety of foods and textures by one year of age; [3] but how are we supposed to know when—and why our infants are ready for this progression? According to an expert panel review, introducing finely chopped foods at around 9-12 months is recommended (provided that your infant shows signs of developmental readiness).
Breast Milk Donation and Why this is Important
The importance of breast milk for infants has been well documented and breastfeeding is considered the gold standard for essential nutrients and protective agents. But what happens when a mother and baby are unable to breastfeed? There can be several reasons for this, including premature birth (which may be secondary to the shortened period of the mother’s changes in her mammary glands), the stress associated with premature birth, or other causes. Human Milk Banks are a wonderful option for babies unable to breastfeed, especially those in critical care in the NICU. Essentially, they can provide important microorganisms when breastfeeding is not an option.
Benefits and Challenges of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has long-term benefits for children—including lowering the risk of Type II diabetes, obesity, and better intelligence scores. Breastfeeding helps protect infants from childhood illnesses; breast milk contains all the nutrients an infant requires until 6 months old (then complementary feedings can start with continued breastfeeding up to and beyond two years). Breast milk has antibodies and helps protect against childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia.
Breastfeeding is great for mothers—it helps lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, as well as Type II diabetes, and postpartum depression. Also, breastfeeding can promote infant bonding, as well as greater postpartum weight loss.
Raising a Vegetarian/Vegan Baby
There’s no doubt that vegetarian and vegan diets are on the rise in today’s general population. People switch over to this lifestyle and choice for several reasons—whether it be spiritual, health-related, or altruistic; however, there are important considerations for the developing fetus and the breastfed baby of the vegetarian/vegan mother.
Bonding with Your Baby
As the saying goes, “all you need is love” 💕. This couldn't be truer for your baby during infancy! At this stage, all your baby cares about is you and the physical and social world around them, so the best thing you can do is relax and simply enjoy being with your little one. Creating a nurturing and loving relationship is based on emotional connection and is an essential building block to your baby’s development and learning.
What NOT to Feed My Baby
So, your little one is all set to try new things—you’ve seen all their ‘ready’ signs and away you go into this exciting milestone of trying new foods. When you think about it, it must be exciting for them! Watching you and your family put all those curious things in your mouths at every meal. Surely, they want to give food a try for themselves! After developing somewhat of a plan of what you would like to offer, what are some key foods to steer clear of during this developmental stage? And wouldn’t it be easier to provide the commercial, store-bought recommendations?
When to Start Reading to Your Baby
With so much focus on early literacy programs aimed to encourage children to read, it is surprising there is not as much focus on reading with our babies! We read to them in the womb, and of course read to them when they’re older and can provide feedback or cues they are enjoying the story—but what about newborns?
Why Does my Baby Need a Vitamin D Supplement?
At one of your healthcare follow-ups, you will encounter someone who will tell you to give your breastfed baby a vitamin D supplement. But why is vitamin D so important? And why are we supposed to give vitamin D to babies who are breastfed and not to those who aren’t?
When Should Babies Start Eating Solids?
When should babies start eating solids? Rest assured—every baby is different and the timing varies, but thankfully, there has been a lot of research to help guide us with complementary feedings. Remember breastfeeding/formula will be the main source of your baby’s nutrients until around 6-months-old and then starting with iron-rich foods is a great beginning!
Is it Safe for my 6-month-old Baby to Eat Eggs?
Eggs can be a wonderful source of nutrients for growth and development, but the question is when is it a good time to introduce eggs to your little one?
New series ‘Recipes for Growing Me’
Watch Me Bloom is excited to announce the first book in a series of recipe poems to offer simplicity and guidance to questions that first time parents often ask when feeding their infants at around 6 months old.