RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GOOD EATING HABITS AND THE WELL-BEING OF YOUR BABY

In the early stages of the transition to solids, parents should not only be concerned about the dietary and nutritional requirements but also how to teach good eating habits and health practices. We should show them how to eat properly. For this, we should take into account:

1. A diet should be balanced and varied: in your baby’s diet, all the food groups should be included for optimum development. Bad dietary habits or a lack of certain food groups can lead to illnesses, such as obesity or diabetes. Your baby should intake daily: cereals, fruit (at least 3 portions), vegetables (2 portions), meat, fish, eggs (around 20g until one year old), dairy products (around 500ml).
2. Offer water during the day, from the commencement of his solid diet try to introduce between 800 to 1000ml a day in small quantities. Endeavour to vary the menu: plan your week, make it fun and interesting, try not to make it boring and, at the same time, make it individual.
3. Maintain a strict timetable for meals: try to ensure no more than 3 hours elapse between meals and try to maintain the routine no matter where you are. Sometimes, in our busy lives. it is hard to keep to a routine, however, even if you do not think it is important, it is essential for your baby to eat at regular intervals. To establish regular eating patterns has advantages for both you and the baby:

• your baby will have 5 meals a day (breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner)
• this will aid his digestion and metabolism, if necessary, offer a glass of milk before he retires
• try and avoid snacking because he will not be hungry at mealtimes. It is also a bad habit which may lead to obesity in later life.

4. Our children do what they see: try and be an example to follow, their habits will mirror         yours. Therefore, make an effort to eat well and ensure that they do also.

5. Aid their growth: let them use a spoon, a cup and a knife. This will be a very messy process    but will lead to competence in the future.

6. Stay calm and make mealtimes a relaxing experience: not all children will eat well and      without problems. Mealtimes can be a battle which both parties can end up losing if you do not        understand why.

7. If you find that your baby doesn’t want to eat:

• Be patient, allow time, don’t yell, create a relaxing ambience which is pleasant and tension free

• The television is not your friend: it is a distraction from his prime objective which is to eat well and it prolongs mealtimes.

• Forced feeding will never be successful. if you force him or threaten him, the child will associate mealtimes with an unpleasant experience. If your child rejects food, give him time and if he persists in his rejection, take the plate away and make him understand, it is not a problem, but there is no more food until next mealtime.

• Use positive reinforcement: if your child has eaten everything and eaten alone, give him a treat or a hug. Show your appreciation.

• Children go through phases; he may be sick or teething or growing so may stop eating. Offer a favourite food that may seem more attractive and just wait a few days. If problems persist, consult your paediatrician.Never lose your smile: always give of your best to your baby, speak calmly, this is the key to winning the battle.

8. Physical exercise for your baby: try to instigate exercise to maintain their activity; play with       them, practice sport and fun activities to help them grow healthier. When they are older, they         will thank you.