Feeding the baby in the fourth month

Contents

1 proper feeding of the infant

1.1 Introduce solids too early

1.2 Introducing food too late

2 Signs of a child’s readiness for solid foods

3 appropriate food for the infant in the fourth month

4 the right amount daily

5 tips on feeding a baby in the fourth month

6 signs of hunger and satiety in children

7 Important Tips

8 References

Proper feeding of the infant

 Starting to introduce food to children is an important step, so it is important to know how and when to introduce food to children.

Whereas, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for the first six months after birth, and dependence on it completely,

But most babies from 4 months to 6 months of age show a willingness to start eating solid foods as a supplement to breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

It is best to wait until the baby is six months old before serving food, because breast milk contains an adequate amount of various nutrients until the age of 6 months,

This helps ensure that they get the full health benefits of breastfeeding.

After the age of six months, breast milk or its artificial substitutes will not be sufficient for the child to cover his needs of various nutrients, especially iron.

However, if the mother feels that the baby is ready for solid food before six months, she can start introducing small amounts of simple solids.

Feeding the baby in the fourth month

The introduction of solids very early

Starting the introduction of solids too early – that is, before the age of 4 months – pays the following risks:

* Food enters the airway.

* The child gets more or less of his energy and nutrients needs.

* Increased child’s risk of obesity.

* stomach trouble.

Enter the food too late

Starting to introduce food too late – that is, after the age of 6 months – leads to the following risks:

• Slow child growth.
• Iron deficiency in breastfed infants.
• Delayed development of motor functions of the mouth.
• A child’s aversion to solid foods.

Signs of a child’s readiness for solid food

A baby is most likely ready to try solid food when she has the following signs:

• The ability to control head movement and sit upright in a high chair.
• Increase the weight of the child, that is, when his weight reaches twice his birth weight, as the child must weigh at least 6 kg.
• The child’s ability to close his mouth around a tablespoon.
• Start showing interest in food when others are eating.
• The child keeps most of the food in his mouth and chews it.

Appropriate food for the infant in the fourth month

Where you should not stop breastfeeding the child, because milk is the main source of food and energy that the child needs,

The appropriate food for the child at this stage is breast milk or infant formula,

But you can start by introducing some types of easy-to-digest foods,

It is also worth paying attention to the texture and viscosity of the food, as in the beginning, only one type of well-mashed food should be introduced until it becomes smooth.

The following are some examples of foods that can be included in a baby’s diet

1. Pureed vegetables: (zucchini, carrots).
2. Pureed fruits: (apples, bananas, peaches).
3. Iron-fortified cereals.

The right amount daily (Feeding the baby in the fourth month)

There is no precise and precise amount for the appropriate food at this age, but often one to two tablespoons of pureed food is sufficient for the child, and this amount is gradually increased over time.

The mother can start feeding the child about a teaspoon of pureed food or Cereals such as rice,

Cereals can also be mixed with (4-5) teaspoons of breast milk or artificial substitutes, then the amount of liquid in baby food is reduced and its density gradually increased.

Tips on feeding a baby in the fourth month

• Avoid forcing the child to eat, if he cries when starting to eat, the child may not be ready to try to eat food from the spoon, or he may not be hungry, then he must be left and try again after a day or two.
• Avoid forcing the child to finish eating completely, because the child’s appetite can change from day today.
• Avoid feeding pureed foods to the baby via a bottle, as the baby must be fed with a spoon.
• Introducing one new food at a time, after which you must wait two or three days before introducing a new food; This is to ensure that the child is not sensitive to it.
• Avoid foods that cause allergies to help prevent food allergies, including eggs, fish, peanuts, and nuts.
• Giving the child full attention when feeding, talking, and helping him.
• Have the child open his mouth before feeding him.
• Allow the child to touch food.
• Be patient when introducing new foods
• Possible signs of a food allergy include:

1. rash.
2. Bloating or increased gas.
3. diarrhea.
4. Vomiting.
5. Breathing problems.
6. Abdominal pain.

Signs of hunger and satiety in children

You should pay attention to the signs of hunger and satiety in children to continue or stop feeding them, which we will talk about in detail.

Signs of hunger in a child:

1. He/she is excited and moves his/her lips when placed in the dining chair.
2. He/she opens his/her mouth when serving food.
3. He/she leans forward and tries to reach for food.

Signs of fullness in a child:

1. He/she closes his/her mouth when serving food.
2. Food is pushed away.
3. He/she cries out of the dining chair.

Important advice

Feeding the baby in the fourth month

Not to introduce honey to the child’s food, because it contains bacteria that can cause a condition called botulism, which is a rare but serious condition.

Prevent the child from drinking cow’s milk until the age of one year. Children under the age of one year have difficulty digesting cow’s milk.

Not to give the child any solid food until the age of 4 to 6 months, because the child will not be able to digest it and he may suffocate.

Not adding salt or sugar to baby food.

Children get all the fluids they need from breast milk or infant formula, so they do not need drinks and juices, because these drinks can cause early tooth decay.

İmportant notice:

The content of the submitted articles, including all text, graphics, images, and other materials, is provided for educational purposes only.

The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice or professional diagnosis.

Moreover, the information on this website should not be taken as final medical advice in relation to any case or individual situation.

We strongly recommend that you always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health service provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition, your general health, or the health of your child.

References

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