All mothers want a healthy baby; maintaining your health during pregnancy is essential. However, once your little one is born, it is crucial that your child consumes the right diet and takes the necessary supplements to ensure optimal health. Since your baby is totally dependent upon you, it is up to you as a mother to give them the best start in life by implementing healthy practices from the onset. In this article, you are going to learn about mom’s tips for healthy babies and supplements and diets for healthy babies.
Mom’s Tips For Healthy Babies
Getting expert advice from your pediatrician or doctor is always advised, but mom’s tips for healthy babies from a mother who has raised a healthy child can be equally as helpful.
Breastfeeding: Mothers recommend breastfeeding on demand for six months before introducing solids. Breast milk contains proteins, vitamins and healthy fats, all of which will assist in ensuring the health of your baby.
Solid Foods: When you start feeding your baby solid foods, introduce yellow fruits and vegetables first (not citrus fruits). You can then start introducing other foods, stick to wholesome and healthy foods, avoid excess protein, fat and harmful additives. Foods that protect the body against disease include nuts, pure honey, dates and coconut.
Fresh Air: Some mothers can become overprotective and take their baby outside as little as possible. This is especially true of first-time mothers, however, exposing your little one to fresh air and nature is good for you and your child’s health. Incorporate daily walks into your routine. Although your baby is too young to walk, it is a great way for your child to get some sunlight which will provide the required daily amount of vitamin D.
Use Caution: Unfortunately, not everyone has good hygiene habits and you don’t know what people get up to when they are not in your company. Therefore, to avoid exposing your baby to caution, instruct that friends and family members wash their hands before handling your child. If someone wants to visit and they have a runny nose or a cough, ask that they rearrange when they are feeling better. The bottom line is that babies do not have strong immune systems and you do not want to take the risk of your infant getting sick.
Refrain From Too Much Antibiotics: Anxious parents worry at the first sign of sickness and will request that their doctor prescribe antibiotics. Or a doctor will prescribe antibiotics when it isn’t necessary, too much antibiotics from an early age can lead to your child becoming resistant to it. Therefore, before administering antibiotics make sure that it is absolutely essential.
Proper Sleep: When it comes to building a strong immune system and fighting infection, sleep is essential. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep during the night and taking naps throughout the day.
Supplements and Diet For Healthy Babies
Your baby needs the right nutrients and supplements to develop and grow. As mentioned, during the first six months it is advised that you stick to breastfeeding your baby; however, once you start introducing solids, make sure you include the following:
- Fruit: Fruit provides fiber, water, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and energy.
- Vegetables: Like fruits, vegetables provide fiber, water, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and energy. A steady diet of vegetables will protect your child against diseases.
- Grains: Grains provide your infant with the energy they need to develop, grow and learn. Healthy options include high-fiber or wholegrain varieties such as barley, quinoa, oats, polenta, noodles, pasta, rice, cereals and bread.
- Poultry, Fish and Lean Meat: They all provide your infant with protein, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, zinc and iron; all of which are essential for muscle, nerve and brain development.
- Dairy: Yoghurt, cheese and milk provide your little one with calcium and protein which help to build strong teeth and bones. Children over the age of two should consume reduced fat dairy, but it is not recommended for younger children.
Your child will get the necessary vitamins and minerals from the foods they eat. However, you may need to give your infant additional supplements if your family consume a diet that limits certain food groups. For example, vegans and vegetarians that don’t eat dairy, eggs or animal products. Childhood is an essential time for brain development and growth, and vitamin deficiencies can lead to a number of illnesses. Rickets is linked to a vitamin D deficiency and an iron deficiency can lead to anemia. Therefore, you may need to give your child the following supplements:
- Iron
- Vitamin B12
- Zinc
- Riboflavin
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
