How does your baby get from milk to sausage?
It's quite clear that after birth, your child will initially receive milk. Ideally, this should be breast milk, but there are many reasons why breastfeeding might not work right away.
A lactation consultant can be helpful. But not all lactation consultants are created equal. It's not a certified term – anyone can call themselves a lactation consultant. I recommend making sure you choose a certified lactation consultant. If you don't breastfeed, for whatever reason, your baby will be bottle-fed. But that's where the flood of offers and information begins. Which milk? Which brand? What ingredients should you look out for? Industrially produced infant formula labeled PRE or PRE HA, based on cow's milk, is the best alternative to breast milk. Its standardized nutrient and energy content ensures a complete and safe diet.
In addition to pre- and stage 1 formulas, follow-on formulas labeled "2" or "3" are also available on the market. These contain lactose and starch, as well as other carbohydrates, often including sucrose (table sugar). Switching to a follow-on formula is neither necessary nor officially recommended.
But how does your baby get from milk to sausage?
There are different approaches to introducing solid foods, but it's important to consider what works best for your family. There's no single right way! Whether it's purees, baby-led weaning, or a combination – it doesn't really matter. There are just a few things to keep in mind, which I'd like to discuss now:
When is the right time to start introducing solid foods? Readiness for complementary foods varies from baby to baby! Various German professional associations recommend starting between the 5th and 7th month. The WHO recommends a middle ground and advises exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months or, alternatively, the introduction of formula.
Giving a precise age recommendation is always very difficult. Observe your children; their behavior (signs of readiness) will show you the right time. If your child shows these signs, you can start. It's really only important to know that breast milk or formula should remain the primary source of nutrition, and complementary foods are only an addition to milk, not a replacement for it. You should also be aware that some foods should not be given at all or should only be introduced gradually during the first year to protect against aspiration/choking and foodborne infections.
Since we in Germany usually eat a hot meal at midday, it has become customary to start introducing complementary foods at lunchtime as well. However, the timing can be flexible, taking into account the baby's needs and the family's daily routine. A relaxed atmosphere and sufficient time should be the deciding factors when choosing the time. Gradually, you then offer your child something to eat at all family meals. What starts as purely milk-based feedings will then become three main meals and two small snacks. Breast milk and formula continue to be given on demand.
Well, and then your baby will soon be 12 months old and no longer a baby. I'll tell you what happens next in the second post:
Nutrition after the 1st birthday
Your Scarlett Highley