Newborns Nutrition

How do I ensure that my newborn gets adequate nutrition?
During infancy, ensuring that your baby gets the right nutrition is essential for their growth and well-being. For the first six months, exclusive breastfeeding is ideal and highly recommended for their development and health. Breast milk is highly nutritious and promotes the development of both mind and body. It also contains vital substances like antibodies, anti-microbials and anti-inflammatory elements that protect the baby and help it fight off infections and diseases.

Breastfeeding is not just good for the baby but is beneficial for the mother as well. It stimulates the production of oxytocin and prolactin which not just promotes mother and child bonding but aids in weight loss as well. It is important to remember that what the mother eats through her pregnancy and while breastfeeding is what her baby eats. So, the mother must have a nutritious diet.

After the first six months, you can slowly try to introduce solid foods. Initially, don’t start off with solid food as a replacement for breast milk. Rather, give them as an addition instead, and keep them a little liquid-like. Closely observe how your baby responds to different foods. If they have any reaction, avoid trying those foods for the next 3-4 months. Start with simple foods like baby cereal, mashed vegetables, and fruits, as they find it hard to digest fructose. Remember to keep track of what they like to help increase their intake gradually and understand that infants eat when they want to and stop when they are full. Each baby is different and requires its own time to get accustomed to different foods and grow. Give them the time they need.

At Motherhood, we have the best lactation consultants and nutritionists to help you with any doubts regarding breastfeeding or nutrition. Our specialists can help you with tips and techniques to see to it that your breastfeeding phase is hassle-free and successful even if you have a tough start. Our experts will also prescribe any supplements that will be beneficial towards your baby’s diet and nourishment.