Feeding a baby is no piece of cake. If you are a new mother, you must have developed numerous new skills including that of an entertainer, a pacifier and a chef, all in the attempt of trying to feed your infant! There are days when mealtime is smooth, and your baby savors the food you offer to him without even the slightest hint of resistance. Then there are days when he just won’t open his mouth and push your hand away, each time you try to feed him something. Before hitting the panic button and reaching out to your doctor, take a deep breath! These problems are extremely common amongst most babies, but worry not, they can be tackled. Here are seven biggest baby food frustrations and ways to deal with them:
1)Your Baby Won’t Eat Solids – Your doctor might have suggested that you introduce your baby to solids after six months. If your baby is not accepting solids, it could bernbecause he finds the food hard to take in, unappetizing or feeling full. Ensure that you begin with pureed foods like veggies, fruits or meat. Gradually start to mix two ingredients together and try feeding him the same. By all means, avoid force feeding and keep the portions small.
2) Your Baby Spews Out Food Or Vomits – This is yet again a common occurrence that you don’t need to be losing your sleep over! Babies often throw up after meals because their digestive systems haven’t developed entirely. The esophageal sphincter muscle responsible for securing the food particles in the stomach is weaker in infants as compared to adults. This is why often a meal that doesn’t get digested is thrown back up in the form of vomit. For this reason, it is very important to make your baby sit upright,with proper back support while feeding him. If the puking happens too often combined with the symptoms of choking and crying, consult your doctor immediately as your baby could be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease.
3) Your Baby Has Odd Feeding Timings – Do you often wake up in the middle of ungodly hours to feed your baby? A lot of parents do, and it is a part and parcel of new parenthood. But over time, try to synchronize your baby’s feeding time with your mealtimes, so you are left with ample time on your hand to focus on the other tasks and to catch a good night’s rest! Doing this may take a while, but eventually your baby will get used to the schedule.
4) Your Baby Has Stopped Drinking Formula/Breastmilk – Overwhelmed by the whole new varieties and options of foods available, it can be rather alarming to see your child not wanting to have formula or breastmilk. Formula and breastmilk are major sources of calcium needed by your baby’s body for the growth of his bones and teeth. The fat contained in milk is also extremely essential for your baby’s brain development. Instead of offering both, formula/breastmilk, and solid foods together, offer them separately. Start the morning with formula/breast milk and over the course of the day, offer solid foods to your baby.
5) Your Baby Catches The Stomach Flu Too Often – Babies have an extremely sensitive digestive system and an overactive bowel. It’s understandable that you are concerned about your baby suffering an upset tummy every second day! Keep a tab on the foods that you are feeding him each day. If you have recently started a solid food diet for your baby, go slow on the variety that you offer. Doing this will help you identify the possible foods that your baby might be allergic to. Wait for 3-4 days before introducing a new food into your baby’s diet.
6) Your Baby Likes Only One Type Of Food – We all have our favorites, don’t we? But when your baby takes a liking to only a certain type of food and refrains from the rest, you sure have all reasons to be concerned. A baby’s diet needs to be balanced and rich in all food groups. Identify what about your child’s favorite food is distinctive from the other foods – is it its texture, its ease of intake or its flavor. Given these observations, try incorporating those elements into other foods. Offer your baby a mix of his favorite food and other foods and see how well he accepts them into his diet.
7) Your Baby’s Appetite Is Too Small – It is important that you understand not every baby’s appetite is the same. If your baby’s appetite has suddenly reduced, think about how much water or juice you are offering to him. To you these may not seem like appetite busters, but they can fill up your little one’s tummy too quickly, making him averse to the foods you offer him.
Though right now your baby’s mealtime may seem like a nightmare, be rest assured that the struggle won’t last forever. Be patient and persistent, but also be cautious and alert! Here’s hoping you enjoy a lifetime of happy mealtime!
Sources:
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/solid-foods-weaning.aspxrnhttp://www.momjunction.com/articles/formula-milk-for-babies_00359331/rnhttp://www.thebump.com/a/poor-appetite-babyrn