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Feeding baby solids in car seat


Newborn Car Seat Safety | Infant in Car Seat

As the due date for your little bundle of joy gets closer and closer, you’re likely starting to realize that there is way too much to do, and you’re running out of time to prepare. It can be difficult to prioritize all the different massive changes to your home and life! It’s an exciting, but stressful, time.

One thing that should be at the top of your list is getting a car seat. This absolutely must be taken care of before you go into labor. It is never safe to have a baby, a toddler, or any child under four feet nine inches tall in the car without some sort of car seat. Newborns in particular require rear facing car seats. This kind of vital safety requirement is not something you want to leave until the last minute.

When to Install a Car Seat During Pregnancy

Purchasing car seats doesn’t have to be the very first thing you do, but you might want to start saving up for one as soon as you know you’re pregnant (or make it a baby shower request!). The most important thing to keep in mind is that your car seat should be installed and ready before you’re far along enough that labor is imminent.

Every state in the U.S requires that babies be secured in car seats. In order to be in compliance with state laws, hospitals will often require car safety seats as part of their discharge policies. Hospital staff may be required to actively observe the baby in a safety seat that meets regulatory standards before discharge can be completed.

That’s why you need to have a seat sorted out before you’re likely to go into labor. The last thing you want is to be stressing about finding a car seat when it’s time to head to the hospital for delivery. The ideal time is anytime before active labor becomes an imminent risk.

Baby Proofing the Car Checklist

Getting the family car ready for baby is more involved than buying a car seat. If your vehicle is older, and doesn’t have certain safety features, you may want to think about trading it in for something slightly more modern. There are several key safety features you may want in a car for transporting children.

  • Child locks: These have been installed in American cars by default for decades. Unless your car was built before the 80s, this shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s good to double check.
  • Auto reverse windows: These windows are sensitive to objects in their path, and will reverse course if touched while moving. This will help stop little fingers from getting pinched!
  • A good safety rating:  Safety ratings are issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Pay specific attention to the location of accessible safety seat latches.
  • Advanced front and side impact airbags: These go along with a vehicle’s safety rating; better airbags could save lives!
  • Interior trunk release: This is a release mechanism inside the trunk of the vehicle. This is important because children are generally curious by nature, and in the past have been seriously injured by trapping themselves in a car’s trunk.
  • Rearview camera: This safety feature helps prevent collisions while you’re reversing, and will allow you to see if there are any little ones running around behind the car.

You’ll also want to make sure you have appropriate emergency kits on hand for different situations. A good emergency kit for breakdowns and accidents is a necessity, but specifically for a baby, you’ll want to keep a kit with all the things you might need on the road in a pinch. Diapers, wipes, and ziplock bags for soiled diapers and clothing items are all a good idea.


If you use formula, a bag with unopened packs of formula, baby bottles, and water, is ideal. If you use a breast pump, you’ll want to make sure you have all the sterilized pump items, as well as pump car charger.

It’s also a good idea to pack extra clothes for multiple weather conditions. Be sure to update the car baby emergency kit appropriately as your baby grows!

Baby on Board Decal

This is an important addition to your vehicle. There can be stigma surrounding the “baby on board” signs, but when used properly they are very helpful. Their purpose is twofold; to inform other drivers to treat your vehicle with care, and to inform first responders of the presence of a baby in case of an emergency.

It’s important to remember not to obstruct the driver’s view with signs, so place the sign out of the way. Only use the sign when the baby is actually in the car.

Car Travel With Baby: Safety Tips

Here are some general tips to help in preparation for travelling with a baby on board. Babies make travel more complicated, but with the right preparation and know-how, the trips can be less stressful for everyone involved, including you and your baby!

How to Keep Your Baby Cool

  • Sun shades: you can get shades for the inside of the back windows to help keep the sun out of the baby’s eyes, and it also helps to limit the buildup of heat from direct sunlight.
  • Car seat covers: can be useful in preventing car seats from heating up too much.
  • Park in shady areas: when you pile the family out of the car, try not to leave the car in direct heat. That way, when you come back, the car won’t feel like a furnace when you first get in. It goes without saying that you should never leave children or pets in the car unattended.
  • Keep them hydrated: check on your child’s hydration regularly. When they get old enough to hold a sippy cup and drink by themselves, make sure they always have a water cup when they’re in the car to self-hydrate with.

How Long Can a Newborn be in a Car Seat?

Newborns should not spend very much time in car seats. This is because their bodies are very early in developmental stages, their spine is still developing, and their breathing may be weakened during prolonged periods of sitting upright. A two hour rule of thumb is recommended for babies; no more than two hours in a 24 hour period.

As children get older, this rule of thumb can be relaxed. The two hour rule is still a good one to follow, however. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a break every two hours on long road trips, to get out of the car and stretch out the body.

Feeding Baby in a Car Seat

Ideally, feeding your baby in a car seat is something you want to avoid. If it’s something you need to do, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Don’t feed baby while the car is moving. Bottles become projectiles in the event of a crash. Motion sickness is something to consider as well as choking hazards while a vehicle is in motion.
  • Don’t feed babies solid items of food that could be choking hazards, like grapes, in the car.
  • If bottle feeding, attend to the bottle; don’t just try and prop it up.
  • Try to protect the car seat as much as possible from getting messy. If it does get messy, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions carefully.

With the right planning and the right things on hand, travelling with baby doesn’t have to be as stressful as you think. Just remember that safety is non-negotiable, and a little extra effort makes a huge difference.

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Can you Feed Baby in Car Seat

As a parent, it seems like a great idea to be able to feed your baby in the car seat. And you can keep them safe and comfortable while you’re driving, and they can eat at the same time. But is it safe to do this? Let’s take a look at some tips for feeding your baby in their car seat.

It is important to know that you can feed your baby in the car seat. It is not recommended by most pediatricians, but it can be done safely if certain precautions are taken. Some experts say that babies can’t choke while eating, but others disagree. If you have a choice of where to give the baby food, then feeding them in the car seat might not be the best idea.

Babies need more freedom of movement than would be possible with a strapped-in chair. You can feed them in their car seat while you are still in the car, and only if it is fairly safe. The safest way to give your child food inside of a vehicle would be to stop somewhere, get out of your car, and go where it’s safer before feeding the baby. If that’s not possible then there are ways to make the feeding process safer while still in your car. And in this blog, you will get to know how you can feed your baby in car seat or did it is safe or not?

In This Article

  • Can you feed your baby in car?
  • Did breastfeeding in car is safe for newborns?
  • Did bottle feed in car is safe?

As we have said above you can feed your baby while in the car seat. But as a parent, you should be aware of child passenger safety rules. Firstly, always try to feed your baby in a seated position. Secondly, make sure that the car seat straps are stable and not moving around. And lastly, keep an eye on your baby to make sure they are not choking or becoming too overwhelmed. If you follow these simple tips you will be able to successfully feed your baby while in the car seat.

Therefore, feeding baby in a car seat is possible, but always be mindful of the safety of your child. It would be a choking hazard for them sometimes if the car seat strap is moving around. And when your baby is done, take a break and loosen the straps so that they are not feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes feeding your baby leads to motion sickness. If this happens, stop the car and let them calm down.

If you find your baby unattented in the car seat, it’s important to understand that the car seat is not a babysitter. You should never leave your baby unattended in the car seat for any amount of time, as this can be very dangerous. Always be sure to keep an eye on your little one while they are in the car seat. Now you know that you can feed your baby in the car seat and how to do it safely.

Did breastfeeding in car is safe for newborns?

Most parents want to know whether they can feed their newborn baby in a car seat. This is a concern because the baby’s safety is always a priority of any parent. So, is feeding a newborn baby in a car seat safe? The answer is no, it is not safe. There are a few reasons why you should not feed a baby in a car seat. The first reason is that it can be very dangerous if the baby starts to choke while they are in the car seat.

Secondly, it is difficult for newborn babies to drink while they are in a car seat because they cannot move their heads very easily. This can make it hard for them to suck on a bottle or breastfeed. Thirdly, feeding a newborn baby in a car seat can cause them to become very tired and sleepy. This can be dangerous if the baby is being driven home from a hospital or if they are in the car for a long trip.

Therefore, it is recommended that new moms should avoid feeding their newborn baby in a car seat. And sometimes bottle feeding is also not safe for infants while traveling in the car. Finally, if the mother is breastfeeding their child then they should take short breaks to stop and breastfeed the baby. This will ensure that the baby remains comfortable and doesn’t experience any discomfort during their long travel. But avoid travel after birth as it’s possible for air to enter the stomach and cause gas bubbles. As these can be very dangerous for newborns’ health.

Did bottle feed in car is safe?

Bottle feeding in car seats can be dangerous. The idea is that the baby’s head flops forward when bottle feeding in the car seat, and this cuts off their airway. This can happen with any kind of movement. But it seems to be more common if you are jogging or running while holding the baby in your arms.

It’s best to feed a baby formula in a stable position where they are lying on their back. But if you have to be out and about with your baby, it is usually right to feed a baby bottle. As long as the baby is sitting upright and the driver keeps an eye on the baby, it is safe. If the baby fall asleep after feeding, you can put the baby in a car seats for a nap. But do not strap the baby in if they are still asleep. Bottle feeding in car seats should only be done when the moving car is in a stable position.

There are many different opinions on the best way to feed a baby in car seats. Some parents choose to breastfeed, while others opt for bottle feeding. Bottle feeding can be disturbing for your child if you are on a long road trip and switch times too many times between day and night which could lead to insomnia or unstable sleep patterns. However, if you are ever unsure about what is safe for your baby, always consult with your pediatrician.

Tips you should remember:

There are guidelines or safety tips for parents for feeding in the car seats. For baby safe bottle-feed, keep these things in mind:

  • Never leave your baby unattended while they are eating or drinking from a bottle
  • Use an infant car seat that has a 5-point harness system and is approved for use in cars
  • Make sure the car seat is properly installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions
  • If you are jogging or running with the seat and your baby is drinking from a bottle, make sure you can see the baby’s face
  • Do not use bottles that have free-flow soft silicone or orthodontic nipples as they reduce intake of fluid leading to dehydration. Use good quality hard spout sippy cups with standard teats which will prevent choking and aspirating fluids.
  • Make sure about the seat belt, it should be wrapped around the car seat and not your baby.
  • Only feed them in the back seat of the car. Never try feeding them while driving. Feeding time is not recommended during traveling down the road because you cannot focus on both at once.

The Conclusion

Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against feeding your baby in the car. If you are going to feed your baby while driving, make sure that they are strapped into a car seat and never held by hand or lap for an extended period of time. It is important to note that babies should not be fed during long drives because it could lead to choking hazards situation as well. And if they spit up which would then be difficult to clean off the dashboard without getting out of the vehicle first. When traveling with young children, always pack plenty of snacks so there’s no need for food on-the-go. Well, if you have any query regrading the above context just share with us through a comment section below.

How to travel comfortably and safely with a child

April 27 2021

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Summer is ahead - summer is the time of holidays. We are all looking forward to it. We make plans or, conversely, spontaneously make decisions and go to the sea, to the mountains, or all together, or something completely different - just to change the situation and forget about everyday worries at least for a few days.

When a baby appears in the family, our desire to travel does not disappear, and the need for rest even increases. But we must always consider the needs of the child. The guarantee of a calm and pleasant holiday is precisely the most careful consideration of all the needs of our smallest and most defenseless suns, seals, bunnies and chickens.

Of course, all the nuances of your trip depend on the age of the baby. As long as the child eats and sleeps around the same time every day, planning a trip is somewhat easier in terms of predictability. With older children, it’s a little different, because the mood of the baby will affect everyone around him and you will have to make a little more effort so that he does not act up. Remember, a lot depends on your personal attitude to the trip.

Take twice as much water, food and diapers as you expect to use during your trip. Thus, any unpredictable delays will not create discomfort for you and the baby.

If you went on holiday by car, it is likely that the trip will be long. Please note that with a child, your trip can take approximately twice as long as without a child. You will need extra time to stop for snacks, toilets, or just give your baby a little stretch (in the case of toddlers and older). About 10-15 minutes once an hour. So the child will be less tired from the trip and will be less capricious. Also take care of snacks for the baby if he is already old enough for solid food. If possible, bring utensils with you that will help your baby avoid spilling food or spilling drinks. The child will be able to enjoy their favorite snacks and drinks directly in the car, and you will save some time on snacks. Do not forget about interesting toys for the baby. Children, unlike adults, have a lot of energy and, when tired, quickly restore it. Do not require your baby to sit still while waiting for you to arrive at your destination. Kids just can't do it. Therefore, if possible, have an adult sit next to the baby in the back seat to entertain him if necessary. This will help the driver not be distracted by the whims of the child.

Don't forget safety. If you rent a car or travel with friends or relatives in their vehicles, be sure to take a special restraint device (car seat) for your child that is appropriate for his height and weight. Remember that every passenger in the car must be fastened.

If you decide to travel by plane, it is better to purchase a separate ticket for the child. Especially if the flight is long. Although children under 2 years old are allowed to fly in the arms of an adult, but from the point of view of safety and comfort, it is better to have a separate seat for the baby. You will be able to take a child car seat into the cabin of the aircraft, after agreeing this with the representatives of the airline. This can and should be done, however, the allowable parameters of a car seat in different airlines differ. Therefore, this point is better to clarify. But taking a car seat into the cabin, you "catch two birds with one stone." First, if you plan to rent a car on vacation, you can save on car seat rental. And don't be afraid that your car seat may not be certified in the country you went to - no one will fine or deport you for this. And you will be sure of the safety of the car seat you trust (and not choose from what is available at the rental point), and it will be easier for the baby to adapt, having such a familiar and familiar thing. Secondly, you will not be forced to hold the child in your arms during the flight. Especially if you are the only adult flying with a baby. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to even eat or go to the toilet.

Ask the airline in advance for the seat with the longest distance to the next row of seats. As a rule, these are seats in the first row and opposite the emergency exits. So you will have more space for the baby and less hassle with the neighbors.

If at least two adults are flying with a baby, try to make sure that one of the adults enters the cabin of the aircraft among the first and prepares a seat for the child, put hand luggage in a special compartment. Try to be the last to board the plane with your baby. So you will be able to avoid the crush, and the baby will spend less time on the plane. It is also better to change the diaper before boarding, as it is not very convenient to do this on the plane.

Plan your flight around off-peak times to minimize queuing. For toddlers, it's a good idea to bring along a blanket or blanket and a few of your child's favorite toys. In case of an unexpected delay in the airport, you can spread it out so that the baby crawls or lies down a little. Walking in a stroller will entertain both children and adults. older children will be interested in simply wandering around the terminal.

To help your baby's ears regulate pressure during takeoff and landing, give your baby something to drink or suck on. It is good if it will be a bottle with a straw or a nipple. The baby can be attached to the chest.

You have decided to take the train with your baby. If possible, opt for a compartment car. Even if such a trip takes longer than a ride on a high-speed train with seats. Having a ticket in a compartment, the baby will have a little more room to move and at the same time this space will be limited. In a situation where you are the only adult with whom the baby travels on the train, take the child with you wherever you go. In no case do not leave the baby to strangers and unfamiliar people and, moreover, to yourself.

If you are traveling by high-speed train with seating, it is better that the baby has a separate seat. Find out in advance whether regular seat belts for each seat are provided in such a car. If they are, you can take your car seat with you. In it, the child will be comfortable to sit and sleep.

Don't forget snacks, drinks and toys for your little ones when traveling by train. Try to pick up the least popular flights among passengers to avoid crowds and crowding. Think of activities for children, the so-called "sitting games", which will lure your baby and will not create discomfort for other passengers. Try to get out of the car last, so you will avoid the queue to the exit, get less tired of holding the child and luggage in your hands, and also do not give pickpockets a chance.

Take it as a rule. Wherever you travel, find out in advance how to get emergency care or medical advice at your destination. Armed with this information, you will feel more confident and calm. You will have less reason to panic in an emergency and will not waste valuable time searching. Find out if there are 24-hour pharmacies nearby. Thus, you will save money by not having to buy medicines "for all occasions" in advance.

Having made a preliminary analysis of the place you are going to, you will have an idea about the infrastructure of the area. Analyze what goods you can easily purchase locally. This will give you the opportunity not to take extra things with you. You are traveling with a child, your attention is focused on him, the hassle of extra luggage is not needed. It may be a smart decision to send some of the items by delivery service and receive them at your destination.

When your baby is toddler, crawling or just starting to walk, take care of the safety of the accommodation you plan to stay in. You can't forget basic safety rules just because you're on vacation. When you go on vacation, pack a few covers for electrical outlets, corner covers for furniture, door stoppers, cord holders, etc. Children's restrictive gates will not be superfluous in case there is a staircase in the house. Upon arrival at your temporary place of residence, immediately inspect it and remove items that the child can injure or tip over. For example, dangling electrical cords, laces from blinds, large heavy lamps and floor lamps, a tablecloth that the baby can pull and throw off what is on the table. Also remove fragile glass or other objects, allergic plants.

Traveling with children can be difficult. But with careful planning and realistic expectations, they are sure to be a positive experience for the whole family.

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Good article, everything is written correctly and to the point. I agree with all the points, we also traveled with children even when they were small and do not regret it at all now.

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Introduction of complementary foods into children's nutrition


Solid Tip
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When should solid foods be started?
For each child, this is decided individually, but in general, complementary foods should be started at four months. Consult with your pediatrician. Your doctor will help you decide when and how to start complementary foods (develop a program for the introduction of complementary foods). When prescribing complementary foods, the doctor is guided by the following developmental indicators:

  • when the child is no longer satisfied with breast milk or formula;
  • when the child can sit with someone else's help;
  • when the child can independently hold the head and turn it away when he refuses food.


What other signs can be used to determine that a child is ready to receive solid food?
Key factors are the child's body weight, appetite and activity.
A baby is considered ready to receive complementary foods when its weight:

  • is about 6.5 kg or
  • doubled since birth.

As for appetite, is your baby:

  • ready to eat more after feeding;
  • often seems hungry;
  • when breastfeeding, it requires eating more often than 8-10 times a day (with artificial feeding, it can drink almost a liter of the mixture per day).

Why can't we start complementary foods before four months?
Most babies at an earlier age are not yet ready to accept solid foods. Their digestive system is not yet fully developed. In addition, children under the age of four months are more prone to allergies (this is covered in more detail later in this booklet).

Is it true that solid food helps a child sleep better at night?
No, it's not. This widely held belief has not been supported by scientific research. Therefore, solid foods should not be introduced prematurely.

What solid foods should I start complementary foods with?
Most doctors recommend porridge made from one type of cereal. Rice porridge is considered the best option for the first complementary foods. Rice is highly digestible and a good source of iron, calcium and vitamins. After feeding the child with rice porridge for three to five days, you can offer him oatmeal or barley porridge. Feeding wheat porridge is best postponed until the age of six months, as many children do not tolerate wheat.

Why should porridge be made from one type of grain?
To control allergic reactions. By using one kind of grain, you and your doctor will be able to clearly identify the source of the allergy if your baby develops it after weaning. Most babies do not have any allergic reactions to rice.

How to cook porridge?
Very simple. Start with a very thin mixture of 1-2 tablespoons of warm breast milk (or formula milk) mixed with 1-2 teaspoons of Rice Porridge Powder. Never forget to check the temperature of the mixture. It should be warm, not hot.

Do I need to change the consistency of porridge later?
Yes. As soon as your baby gets used to feeding porridge (and you make sure that he does not have any negative reactions to porridge), it is recommended to increase the amount of food and make it thicker. Usually, by the age of six months, the amount of porridge is adjusted to 5-8 teaspoons (dry porridge) per day, depending on the child's appetite.

How many times a day should a child be fed solid food?
Start with one meal a day of rice porridge as described above. This will allow you to clearly identify any allergic reactions your child may have. Continue breastfeeding (or formula) at the same time. When you are sure that the baby perceives porridge well, increase the number of feedings to two per day. After another three to five days, you can add a second porridge from another grain or a single-ingredient fruit or vegetable mixture to the diet.

Should an adult taste a child's food?
Certainly. This will allow you to make sure that it is not too hot.

If ​​food seems too bland to me, can I spice it up?
No. Remember that this food is not designed for your taste. It is specially designed for feeding your baby. No need to add salt, sugar, or spices to it - it contains everything you need.

Does breastfeeding affect solid foods?
Breast milk contains a perfectly balanced set of proteins that your baby needs. When a baby's diet replaces most of the breast milk with low-protein foods (such as fruits such as peaches and pears), this can significantly upset the established protein balance. Therefore, many doctors recommend for breastfed babies to introduce complementary foods not from fruits, but from high-protein foods such as meat, which will maintain protein balance. Your pediatrician will help you decide what to feed your baby.

How long can the first weaning last?
Solid food takes some getting used to. Remember, this is a new event, both for you and for your baby. The first feedings can be very short - twenty or thirty seconds. If the child gestures that he no longer wants, stop. If you continue to force him, the child may have unpleasant associations associated with feeding. Be patient. Praise your baby and yourself, and save complementary foods until another time. Finish breastfeeding or nipple with formula.

What equipment is needed for feeding?
We recommend a long-handled baby spoon with a rubber or plastic coating so that the metal does not irritate the baby's gums. Any unbreakable bowl that is also microwave safe will work. When you reheat baby food in the microwave, be sure to stir it well to avoid hot lumps and check the temperature before feeding. A good children's cup is a little weighted, with two handles and a spout. The highchair or child seat must be on a solid, stable surface and the child must be securely strapped into it.

When should I start teaching my child to drink from a cup?
By the age of seven months, babies can start drinking from a cup held by an adult. By one year, most children are able to handle a cup on their own.

What is the best time of day to give complementary foods?
Most pediatricians believe that it is best to start solid foods in the middle of the morning. Choose a time of the day when you experience the least stress, when your child is not too hungry - then he will be more calm and patient. Try to keep both you and your baby in a good mood and calm. Try breastfeeding (or from a pacifier) ​​a little first to satisfy the first hunger and bring him into a calm mood, and then grab a spoon. The first attempts at spoon feeding are not intended to feed the baby, but to teach him a new skill. It is likely that the baby will not get much food at first when spoon-fed. Therefore, always end your breastfeeding or a bottle with a pacifier.

How to hold the baby while feeding?
Sit the child upright. This makes it easier to swallow solid food. You can hold your baby on your lap, or securely fasten your baby into a highchair or child seat, which must be on a solid, stable surface.

Can baby food be heated in the microwave?
Yes, but be careful and carefully follow the instructions on the packaging. The microwave oven works in such a way that the food in it is heated unevenly, so that food can be very hot on one side of the plate (or jar), and very cold on the other. Therefore, it is very important to mix the food well after reheating and to measure its temperature before feeding.

Never microwave our Stage 1 Meat Mixes directly in the can as the food can overheat and splatter, causing burns.

How much food should you take in a spoon?
Just a small lump of food at the very tip of a spoon. Usually, babies at four months of age cannot close their lips on a spoon.

How to put food in a child's mouth?
Gently place a bolus of food in the middle of the child's tongue. He must get used to this new sensation for him - after all, until now he could only suck liquid, and not swallow solid food.

Can I feed my baby directly from a can?
No. Carefully spoon out the amount of food per feeding. Close the jar tightly and place in the refrigerator. Feeding your baby directly from a jar is a direct way to encourage bacterial growth. In addition, the baby's saliva can make food watery.

Is it possible to feed a baby porridge from a bottle with a nipple?
Not unless your pediatrician has advised you to add dry porridge to formula formula to thicken it. If you feed a baby cereal from a bottle, he may choke or choke. In addition, eating from a spoon is an absolutely necessary skill and now is the time to teach the child this skill so that later he will not have problems with other foods.

How long should I feed my baby rice porridge before introducing other complementary foods?
Usually three to five days. This is the usual waiting period before introducing any complementary food after rice porridge, and later, before introducing any other new food.

What's after the rice?
Add another cereal from one type of grain, then other one-ingredient foods from different food groups. Moving gradually in this way, you will “brick by brick”, step by step, build your child's diet, adding each time a new type of solid food - a new consistency and a new taste. Your doctor can recommend a sequence for introducing new foods.

When should I start giving juice to my baby?
Approximately four months old. Feed with juice in the same way as you would with solid foods. Start with a single-ingredient apple or pear juice made from naturally low acid fruits. For better absorption, start with a solution of 50 g of juice in 50 g of water. If the child tolerates juice well, you can switch to undiluted juice in 3-5 days. Remember that juices thin the stool and often cause diarrhea.

Can I put my baby to bed with a bottle of breast milk, formula or juice?
No, you can't. Each of these foods contains a certain amount of natural sugars. If a child sucks on a bottle with a nipple for a long time, he may develop a dental disease called “bottle caries”. This is such a serious dental disease that sometimes it requires the child to be hospitalized.

To prevent this disease:

  • do not let your child sit with a bottle during the day;
  • do not put the child to bed with a bottle;
  • When your baby has teeth, clean his gums with a damp cloth or bandage after each feed.

How do I give my baby water with solid food?
After the introduction of solid foods, the baby may need additional fluids. High-protein foods, such as pureed meats, put extra stress on a baby's developing kidneys, so it's important to provide more water with them. On the other hand, low-protein foods such as fruits, juices, vegetables, and desserts put less strain on the kidneys and require less water.

How do you know if your baby is getting enough fluids?
Just pay attention to how many times a day the baby wets the diaper. Four to eight times a day is considered normal. If you think your child is not getting enough water, talk to your doctor.

Should I give my child vitamins with solid food?
Talk to your pediatrician about this. A balanced diet usually contains sufficient amounts of vitamins and iron. Adding vitamins to a child's diet without a doctor's approval can cause health and developmental problems for the child.

What if I lose my complementary feeding plan?
If your child becomes ill, the complementary feeding plan may be interrupted. In general, after recovery, you can start from the place where the disease interrupted you. However, talk to your doctor.

If ​​I give my child tap water or bottled water to drink, do I need to boil or sterilize it?
Water should only be boiled or sterilized when you are unsure of its purity. The safety of tap water is usually ensured by chlorination, and bottled water by ozonation.

Do I need to keep my baby's hands busy while feeding?
No. Although sacrificing neatness and order, you must leave the child's hands free. So he can push food into his mouth with his fingers if it falls out of there. Active participation in the process of feeding creates positive associations and improves the mood of the baby.

What if the child spits food out of his mouth?
Don't worry, it doesn't mean he doesn't like the food. Your baby is accustomed to sucking, and sucking movements of the lips and tongue are his natural instinct. These movements cause food to be pushed out of the mouth.

If ​​he still doesn't eat, will it harm his health and development?
Don't worry. Even if the baby doesn't eat a lot of complementary foods at first, breast milk or formula will provide adequate nutritional value to the diet. Be sure to breastfeed or nipple after each attempt at weaning.

How many calories should a child get?
A child's energy needs are determined by their rate of growth, metabolism, and activity level. In general, an infant needs approximately 110 calories per 1 kg of body weight per day. EXAMPLE: A four-month-old baby weighing 6 kg should receive approximately 660 calories per day.

How can you tell if a child is hungry?
After the first period of getting used to the spoon, the child will clearly show when he is hungry. If you put a spoon in his mouth, he will begin to swallow greedily. He will open his mouth, as if asking: "More, please." Follow the spoon with your eyes as you feed him. If you hesitate, the baby may even get angry and impatiently grab the spoon with its handles.

What does a child do when he does not want to eat?
The most common gesture is turning the head to the side. The baby may start crying if you try to force him to eat. If the baby does not want to eat, do not force him. Be patient, try again when the child is hungry.

How do you know when a child is full?
When the baby is full and you try to feed him, he shows the same signs when he does not want to eat: he turns his head to the side and may cry if you try to force him to eat. Or is distracted from the spoon to other objects. Learn to recognize the signals that your child sends you and respect his wishes. Remember, your goal is not to "shove" as much food into the baby as possible. Your goal is a healthy, cheerful child.

How long can baby food be left open?
After opening the jar, take out a feeding portion and put the leftovers in the refrigerator immediately. Meat, vegetable mixes and dinners can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Fruit mixes and juices in single packs usually stay fresh for a week. In all cases, check the storage instructions on the package.

What to do with the uneaten portion?
Reheat only as much food as you expect to feed your baby at one time. If you reheat food and your child doesn't eat it, throw it away. Do not return the uneaten portion to the jar - this encourages the growth of bacteria, and the enzymes contained in saliva thin the mixture. For starters, it is better to buy the smallest jars.

Can baby food be frozen?
We do not recommend freezing store-bought baby food as it becomes thick and inedible.

Why doesn't Beach Nut use modified starch?
Beach-Nut does not use modified starch in its baby food products, in order to meet the wishes of parents.

How to introduce new foods into the diet after cereals?
It is important to introduce only one new product at a time and no more than every 3-5 days.

Why is this important?
By introducing only one new product every 3-5 days, you (and your doctor) will be able to clearly determine whether the child tolerates this product well and does not cause any allergic reactions.

What are allergic reactions?
Food allergies are expressed in a wide variety of symptoms. Some of them are: difficulty breathing, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash, cough, runny nose, watery eyes. If you observe any unusual symptoms after introducing a new product, contact your doctor immediately. By introducing one product every 3-5 days, the source of the allergy can be relatively accurately determined.

How soon does an allergic reaction appear?
A reaction with one or more of the above symptoms most often occurs within 24 hours of ingestion of an allergen-containing food. If your child is allergic to any particular food, stop giving that food until your doctor tells you to.

Which foods cause allergic reactions in children?
The most common allergies in young children are eggs, dairy products, grains (wheat and corn), and citrus fruits (orange and lemon juice). Seek medical attention if you experience any signs of an allergy. Remember that allergies can be caused by any food.

Are food allergies hereditary?
Be sure to tell your pediatrician if anyone in your family has food allergies. This information will help the doctor better plan your child's diet.

Are eggs good for children?
Egg white is one of the most common allergens; many babies have severe egg allergies. It is advisable not to give egg whites to children until 9-12 months of age. Yolks usually do not give such a strong reaction as whites. Consult your doctor.

How often should a six month old baby eat?
Babies typically eat three solid foods a day by six months of age, and breastfeed or formula feed 5-6 more times a day. Specific dietary patterns may vary for each child.

What do you need to know about administering multi-ingredient products?
A few things:

  1. If your child has been hypersensitive to any product, do not give formulas containing that product.
  2. Keep simple, single-ingredient foods in your child's diet. For example, from time to time offer your child his favorite cereal from one type of grain.
  3. Remember to supplement your baby with breast or bottled formula at every meal. Breast milk or formula is the mainstay of your baby's diet during the first year of life.

When is it recommended to introduce multi-ingredient foods into the diet?
After you have given your child single foods, formulas containing these foods can be started. Unless your doctor advises otherwise, start introducing complex formulas from six months.

Which difficult mixes to start with?
Check with your doctor. It will help you develop a diet using foods that you know your baby likes and meets their nutritional needs.

How much compound formula should be fed compared to simple foods?
As the child grows, he will eat larger portions of solid food and more meals per day. This is normal, as long as you make sure you maintain the right balance of nutrients.

Can I continue to feed my baby simple one-ingredient foods?
Yes. Just add other foods to your child's diet and offer him a choice. Continue to feed your child his favorite food.

When should I start feeding my baby from the common table?
At the age of 8-10 months, most babies like to chew something in their fists. If your baby tries to feed on his own, try giving him slices of banana or cooked vegetables (such as carrots), slices of cheese, dry biscuits, or small pieces of toasted bread.

Can a child choke on solid food?
There is always a risk of choking. Small children can choke not only on solid food, but also on household items: coins, small toys. Of the foods, the number one cause of food choking among young children is sausages. In principle, any object with a diameter of 2.5 cm can get stuck in a child's throat. Smaller objects can enter the nasopharynx when inhaled. Surprisingly, a small child can stuff an object with a diameter of 5 cm into his mouth. This is the size of a lid from a baby food jar.

How can I reduce my child's risk of choking on food?
Cut sausage lengthwise and then crosswise into small pieces less than 2.5 cm. Avoid giving your child grapes, raw carrots, peas, pistachios, large pieces of apple, popcorn, hard candies, large pieces of meat. Soft and sticky foods like toffee or pistachio oil can also get stuck in your throat and cause choking.

Where to start?
Your pediatrician will probably advise you to start with a single-grain porridge, most likely rice. Then start introducing fruits and vegetables into your diet. As your child's appetite grows, move on to larger-sized foods.


START EATING SOLID FOOD.

Basic tips.
Give your child solid food once a day for the first week. Choose for this time of day, the most quiet for you and the child, when he is not too hungry. Most parents consider mid-morning or mid-afternoon to be the best time.

When your child gets used to eating with a spoon, you can offer him solid food two or three times a day.