Food for five months baby

Baby formula feeding chart: How much formula by weight and age

Is your baby getting too much or too little formula? It's an important question that worries many new parents, especially those with newborns. When deciding how much formula to give your baby, it's important to watch their hunger cues as well as looking at guidelines based on age and weight. In general, before they're eating solids, babies need 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight each day.

These guidelines are for babies who are exclusively formula-fed for the first 4 to 6 months, and then fed a combination of formula and solids up to age 1. If your baby is getting a combination of breast milk and formula, talk to their doctor for separate advice.

Your pediatrician can tell you where your baby falls on the growth charts, make sure they're growing steadily on their own growth curve, and help you ensure that they're getting a healthy amount of formula. If you're ever worried about your baby's growth, behavior, or development, talk with their doctor.

How much formula for a newborn

For the first few days, offer your newborn 1 to 2 ounces of formula every 2 or 3 hours. (At first, newborns may only take a half ounce of formula at a time.)

After the first few days, give your newborn 2 to 3 ounces of formula every 3 to 4 hours.

Initially it's best to feed your formula-fed newborn on demand, whenever they show signs that they're hungry. Because your little one can't tell you when they want a bottle, you'll need to learn to read their hunger cues. Crying is often a late sign of hunger, so if you can, try to catch the earlier signs that it's time for a feeding.

Here are some hunger cues to watch for:

Smacking or licking their lips
Rooting (moving their jaw, mouth, or head in search of food)
Putting their hands to their mouth
Opening their mouth
Fussiness
Sucking on things
Becoming more alert
Crying

As time passes, your newborn will begin to develop a fairly regular feeding schedule. You'll become familiar with their cues and needs, and knowing when and how much to feed them will be much easier.

Formula feeding chart by weight

During the first 4 to 6 months, when your baby isn't eating solid foods, here's a simple rule of thumb: Offer 2.5 ounces of formula per pound of body weight every 24 hours, with a maximum of about 32 ounces.

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Weight	Ounces of formula
6 pounds	15 fl oz every 24 hours
7 pounds	17.5 fl oz every 24 hours
8 pounds	20 fl oz every 24 hours
9 pounds	22.5 fl oz every 24 hours
10 pounds	25 fl oz every 24 hours
11 pounds	27.5 fl oz every 24 hours
12 pounds	30 fl oz every 24 hours

These numbers aren't rigid rules. They offer a rough estimate for what your baby may need. Some babies will grow well while taking less than the recommended amount, while others consistently need more. Your baby's daily feedings will also vary according to their individual needs – in other words, they may want a bit more on some days and a bit less on others.

Formula feeding chart by age

Here are typical amounts per day based on age:

Age	Ounces of formula
Full-term newborn	2 ounces per bottle every 3 to 4 hours
1 month old	3 to 4 ounces per bottle every 3 to 4 hours
2 month old	4 to 5 ounces per bottle every 3 to 4 hours
3 month old	4 to 6 ounces per bottle every 3 to 4 hours
4 month old	4 to 6 ounces per bottle, 4 to 6 times a day
5 month old	4 to 6 ounces per bottle, 4 to 6 times a day
6 month old	6 to 8 ounces per bottle, 4 to 5 times a day
7 month old	6 to 8 ounces per bottle, 3 to 5 times a day

From 8 months old until their first birthday, you can expect your baby to have 7 to 8 ounces per bottle, 3 to 4 times a day.

As your baby gets older – and their tummy gets bigger – they'll drink fewer bottles a day with more formula in each. It's important not to overfeed your baby so they'll stay at a healthy weight. Your baby shouldn't have more than 32 ounces of formula in 24 hours.

When they reach their first birthday, they can stop drinking formula and transition to cow's milk in a bottle, sippy cup, straw cup, or open cup. Limit your toddler to 16 to 24 ounces (2 to 2.5 cups) a day of whole milk, so they have room for other healthy foods.

Here are signs that your baby's getting all the formula they need:

Steady weight gain. They continue to gain weight after their first 10 days and follow a healthy growth curve during their first year. (Most babies lose up to 7 to 10 percent of their birth weight in the first few days and then regain it by the time they're about 2 weeks old.)
Happy baby. They seem relaxed and satisfied after a feeding.
Wet diapers. They wet two to three diapers a day in the first few days after birth. Over the next few days, the amount should increase to at least five to six wet diapers a day.

Babies are usually good at eating the amount they need, but bottle-fed babies can drink too much at times. Here are the signs that they're getting too much formula:

Vomiting after a feeding may be a sign that your baby had too much. (Spitting up is normal, vomiting isn't.)
Tummy pain after a feeding can also be a sign of overfeeding. If your baby draws up their legs or their tummy seems tense, they may be in pain. (See other possible reasons for stomach pain in babies.)

If your baby seems to want to eat all the time, even after finishing a bottle, talk to your pediatrician. Using a pacifier may help soothe their need to suck.

Formula-feeding tips

In general, babies eat when they're hungry and stop when they're full, so resist the temptation to encourage your baby to finish each bottle. Overfeeding during infancy can contribute to obesity later in life.
Don't respond to your baby's every cry with a bottle. They may be crying because their diaper is wet, they're cold or hot, they need to be burped, or they want to be close to you. (Learn more about why babies cry, and how to soothe them.)
Your baby may be hungrier than usual during growth spurts. These typically occur 10 to 14 days after birth and around 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months of age.

Read more:

Formula Feeding Problem Solver
How to safely store and use formula

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How much breast milk should a newborn eat?

How much breast milk a baby drinks varies from baby to baby and from one month to the next. A newborn eats less than an ounce of breast milk per feeding at first, but by the time they're 1 month old, babies usually drink about 3 to 4 ounces eight times a day. Follow your baby's lead on how much and how often to feed them, and look for signs that your baby isn't getting enough breast milk (such as weight loss, fewer than six wet diapers daily, and dark-colored urine).

Whether you're nursing your baby or pumping breast milk for bottles, you'll want to make sure your baby is getting the right amount of milk.

Breastfeeding moms often worry that their baby isn't getting enough milk, especially at first. It's impossible to see how much your nursing baby is drinking. And if you're pumping to fill bottles for your baby, how much should you pump and put in a bottle for each feeding? Read on for recommendations and details.

How much breast milk should a newborn eat?

After their first sleepy 24 hours, most newborns nurse every two to three hours, or eight to 12 times a day. You may need to coax them awake if they fall asleep mid-feeding or wake your baby to feed if it's been more than four hours since their last feeding.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other experts recommend that you feed your newborn baby whenever they show early signs of hunger, such as smacking their lips or rooting around for your nipple.

How long your baby nurses at each session is very individual. Some newborns will fill their little tummies in five minutes flat, while others may take an hour to finish feeding. In general, though, breastfeeding newborns nurse up to 20 minutes or more on one or both breasts, while older babies may take 5 to 10 minutes on each breast. (Babies typically become more efficient – and your milk supply becomes more established – after a month or two.)

If you're bottle feeding, it should take about 10 to 20 minutes per feeding, depending on the amount of milk in the bottle. Let your baby decide when they're full.

Your baby may feed more frequently – and for longer periods – right before a growth spurt, often around age 2 to 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. This is called cluster feeding, and it helps signal your body to produce more milk for your growing baby.

How much milk should I be pumping?

In the first couple of days, your newborn may take only half an ounce at each feeding. Then they'll increase to 1 or 2 ounces per feeding. They'll eat as often as eight to 12 times every 24 hours.

At about two weeks until 1 month old, your newborn will take 2 to 3 ounces per feeding, eating about eight times a day, for a total of about 20 to 24 ounces.

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By 1 month old, babies average 3 to 4 ounces per feeding – every 3 to 4 hours – for a total of about 24 ounces of milk per day.

At about 2 months old, babies take about 4 to 5 ounces per feeding every 3 to 4 hours.

Once your baby is 3 to 4 months old, they'll likely drink about 24 to 30 ounces of breast milk a day – usually in 4- to 6-ounce feedings every 4 hours or so. (Babies who are a little bigger might need a bit more milk.)

If you'd like more specific guidelines, here's a simple formula that you can use to figure out how much milk your baby is likely to need during the early months.

Babies generally need 2.5 ounces of breast milk daily per pound of body weight for their first 3 or 4 months. To calculate the total:

1. Multiply your baby's weight in pounds by 2.5. This is how much milk your baby will need for one day. (Make sure you include every ounce. For example, if your baby weighs 8 pounds 8 ounces, the total weight would be 8.5 pounds.)

2. Divide the amount of milk your baby needs in a day by the number of feedings. This is how much milk to put in each bottle.

For example:

If your baby weighs 10 pounds, they'll need 25 ounces of breast milk per 24 hours (10 x 2.5).

If they're feeding 10 times per day, that would equal 2.5 ounces in each bottle (25 divided by 10). If they're feeding 8 times a day, each bottle would need to contain 3.13 ounces (25 divided by 8).

Of course, the amount that babies drink at each feeding varies – and you don't need to be quite so precise. You can round up a bit (say to the next half ounce) rather than measure fractions of ounces!

You also want to follow your baby's cues on when they're hungry or full.

If you're feeding your baby breast milk and supplementing with formula, talk with your baby's doctor. You can use the information here to tell whether your baby is getting enough milk, but your baby's feeding schedule may be a little different. Your baby might go longer between feedings, for example (because babies don't digest formula as quickly as breast milk).

How much breast milk should an older baby eat?

Once your baby starts eating solid foods (usually at around 6 months old), their intake of breast milk will gradually begin to decrease. Breast milk or formula should still provide your baby with the bulk of their nutrition, though, until they're 9 months to 1 year old. That's because they contain easily digestible vitamins, iron, and protein to help your baby grow.

From 6 to 8 months old, your baby will probably have 3 to 5 nursing sessions a day, or 3 to 5 bottles with 6 to 8 ounces of breast milk in each.

From 8 to 12 months old, your baby will probably have 3 to 4 nursing sessions a day, or 3 to 4 bottles with 7 to 8 ounces of breast milk in each.

As your baby develops, they're likely to spend less time overall at your breast and go longer between feedings. You may also find that your older baby – who's becoming more aware of the world – is more distracted while nursing. You might try nursing in a quiet, dimly lit room with minimum distractions.

Your baby may also have an occasional nursing strike – because they're teething, have a stuffy nose or ear infection, because your milk tastes different (because of hormonal changes or a medication, for example), or for no apparent reason. These strikes usually last between two and five days, though they can continue longer. Encourage your baby to nurse, and pump every few hours (or about as often as your baby usually nurses) to keep your milk supply up. If you're worried about your baby not gaining weight, talk with their healthcare provider.

Once your baby is 1 year old, they can drink whole cow's milk in a bottle or sippy cup. Keep in mind that while cow's milk is good for them, you don't want to overdo it or they won't have much appetite for other healthy foods. (Too much cow's milk can also lead to iron-deficiency anemia.) Sixteen to 24 ounces a day (2 to 3 cups) for a toddler should be just fine.

And of course, you can continue to nurse past age 1 if you and your child want to. Even though your toddler will get most of their nutrition from solid food, breast milk still provides calories, immune protection, vitamins, and enzymes.

There are many ways to tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk.

For example, if your breasts feel softer after nursing, that means your baby has emptied some of the milk that was making them firm. If your baby seems relaxed and satisfied for one to three hours between feedings, it's a good indication that their tummy is full.

Other clues:

Wet diapers

This is why your doctor or midwife has you track your newborn's diapers. Your baby should wet 2 to 3 diapers each day in the first few days after birth. They should have at least 6 wet diapers a day after the first 4 to 5 days, after your milk comes in. Their urine should be colorless or pale yellow by 1 week old. (If their urine is pale or clear, they're getting enough liquid. If it's more concentrated, it may be a sign that they're low on fluids.)

Bowel movements

You'll track these for a while, too. Your baby should have one or two bowel movements each day on the first two days (these will be blackish, tarry stools) and at least two stools (which will be greenish to yellowy mustard color) on days three and four. By 1 week old, your baby should have at least 3 to 4 stools each day. These should be loose and yellow.

As your milk production increases, your baby may poop after every feeding.

Weight

Most babies lose up to 7 percent of their birth weight and then regain it by the time they're about 2 weeks old. After gaining back the weight they initially lost after birth, your baby should keep gaining.

Expect your baby to gain about 6 to 8 ounces a week for the first four months, then about 4 to 6 ounces per week from 4 to 7 months. By 5 months, most babies will double their birth weight. By their first birthday, most triple their birth weight.

Your baby's doctor will chart your baby's weight (as well as their length and head circumference) on a growth chart to make sure your baby is growing at a steady, appropriate rate over time.

Watch for these signs if you're concerned about your baby's milk intake:

Your baby continues to lose weight. If your baby doesn't start gaining weight after five days, or if they start losing weight again any time after that, talk with their doctor.
Your baby is wetting fewer than six diapers in a 24-hour period after the five days following their birth.
Your baby has small, dark stools after their first five days.
Your baby's urine is very dark, like the color of apple juice.
Your baby is fussy or lethargic much of the time. They may fall asleep as soon as you put them to your breast but then fuss when you take them off.
Your baby feeds for less than 10 minutes or more than 50 minutes at a time.
Your baby appears to have a dry mouth or eyes.
Your baby just doesn't seem satisfied, even if feedings consistently take longer than an hour.
Your breasts don't feel softer after nursing.
You rarely hear your baby swallow while nursing. (Some babies are very quiet feeders, so if all other signs are positive, don't worry about this one.)

What happens if my baby doesn't get enough breast milk?

Although most moms are able to provide their babies with all the milk they need, sometimes babies don't get enough. And when the problem isn't addressed, a baby can suffer from dehydration and failure to thrive, which are uncommon but serious problems.

If you're concerned that your baby isn't getting enough milk, call their doctor or talk to a nurse or lactation consultant. At these appointments, you'll typically feed your baby while the consultant observes you and gives you valuable tips for breastfeeding success. They may help with positioning and any latching problems, for example, and/or address milk production, if that's an issue. They can also help you with questions or problems you may be having with pumping breast milk.

Breastfeeding Problem Solver

Find solutions to a variety of breastfeeding challenges, including nipple pain, low milk supply, and more.

Is it possible to feed my baby too much?

Yes, it's possible to give a baby too much formula or breast milk, especially if you're bottle feeding.

Drinking from a bottle often takes less effort than breastfeeding. If your bottle-fed baby wants just a little milk, they may get much more because of how fast the milk flows through the bottle's nipple.

If your baby gets too full, they may have stomach pains, and they may spit up or vomit.

To help your baby get just the right amount of milk, bottle-feed them slowly, holding the bottle level with the floor to avoid a flow that's too fast. When your baby takes a natural break, tilt the bottle to stop the flow. This is called paced bottle feeding. Feeding your baby from a bottle should take about the same amount of time as feeding at the breast, about 10 to 20 minutes. This is especially important during the first couple of months, until your baby learns to pace themself.

Learn more:

How to burp your baby
Age-by-age guide to feeding your baby
Pacifier pros and cons

what is the diet in 5 months, the menu of complementary foods for a five-month-old baby

Published: 07.10.2019

Reading time: 5 min.

Number of reads: 233010

By 5 months the infant reaches a certain maturity of the digestive and immune systems, allowing for non-dairy nutrition. Today, there are many points of view on the timing of the introduction of complementary foods, but there are criteria by which parents can absolutely understand whether their child is ready to change something in their own diet.

Contents: Hide

When should we start introducing complementary foods?
What to prepare for a new stage in life?
How to start complementary foods at 5 months?
Which products are we introducing first?
What not to give before 1 year
Where to be vigilant?
So all the same PORRIDGE or VEGETABLES?

Of course, the ideal period for the introduction of complementary foods at 6 months is, but only if the baby receives the optimal amount of nutrients from breast milk/formula, has a good increase in height and weight, and meets the normal criteria for neuropsychic development.

But in real life, unfortunately, by the age of 5-6 months, children often begin to experience a deficiency in certain nutritional components, which requires parents to correct the child's diet. At the same time, allergists are unanimous in their opinion, who argue that the introduction of complementary foods in the interval of 4-6 months can reduce the risks of developing food allergies in the future, since it is in this age period that the immune system is most tolerant to new food agents.

When to start introducing complementary foods?

There are several signs that a baby is ready to start weaning.

One of the first is food interest. If the child is at the table with adults, he actively reaches for his mother's plate and is ready to try the food offered.
And the next logical sign is coordination of movements: hand - spoon / food - mouth. The child may pick up pieces of food with his fingers and bring them to his mouth or try to put a spoon in his mouth. And do it consciously, not by accident!
Child can sit. If he does not sit up on his own, but sits with support on an adult's lap, then this can also be considered a sign of maturity and readiness for complementary foods.
Extinguishing reflex. The younger the child, the more actively he pushes any object, medicine, food out of his mouth. Gradually, the ejection reflex fades away and the little person is ready to accept other consistency than milk. But in the first days of acquaintance with complementary foods, some children have a gag reflex, which is very scary for parents. Thick porridge or pieces of fruit, when hit on the middle and back of the tongue, lead to a spasm of the larynx, and the person returns the food to the front of the tongue and / or spit out the product. This is also one of the stages of development, and the faster the gag reflex fades, the more often you feed the child with complementary foods and do not take breaks in the new diet.

What to prepare for a new stage in life?

Your baby will definitely need a high chair and a colorful plate (with a rubber bottom or with a suction cup). Comfortable spoon, not too small and not too big, with a comfortable handle that the baby can hold in his hand. Bibs should be exactly at least two, waterproof and with a convenient lock. Lots of paper towels and a huge amount of patience.

How to start complementary foods at 5 months?

At present, there is no strictness in the sequence of introduction of certain products. The only thing children's nutritionists, pediatricians and other specialists agree on is that the child should receive the foods that are traditionally eaten in his family. If the family lives in Siberia, then the baby should try the apple earlier than the mango or blackberry.

The first complementary foods most often are cereals or vegetables. The baby gets acquainted with each product for 1-3 days, and after that, parents can continue to get acquainted with new types of complementary foods or expand the range within the same group. If we stretch the acquaintance with each new dish for 7-10 days, then by the age of 1 we will not have time to introduce into the diet all the food groups that the family eats every day. 3 days is the optimal period for which any parent will understand the reaction to a particular product of their child. Therefore, we boldly begin complementary foods with the appearance of all signs of readiness and teach the little person adult nutrition.
Acquaintance with new products is better to start in the morning or in the afternoon. This rule is conditional, and it is necessary to observe it only so that in the event of a negative food reaction (rash, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) in response to a new dish, parents can quickly contact a specialist and receive medical assistance if necessary, which is better. do during the day, not late in the evening or at night.
Diet when transferring a child to an adult table must be observed. This is done so that the child is psychologically and physiologically ready for a certain interval between meals. Children do not perceive the variability of the environment well, and for harmonious development they need to follow the rituals and the usual sequence of actions of their parents: after sleep, breakfast always follows, and after a walk, lunch. Also, observing the intervals between meals allows the child to feel hunger and satiety, thereby correctly hearing the signals of his body and forming eating behavior.
Snacking before 1 year of age is not necessary, most infants receive on-demand breastmilk for a long time, and formula-fed infants have an optimal nutritional profile in formula, which eliminates extra meals outside of the main ones.
At the age of 5-6 months of age, the number of non-dairy meals should be at least 2 times a day, by 9 months the number increases to 3 times a day. Most likely it will be breakfast and lunch. Only a mother and her baby can choose the time for complementary foods, because even babies can be larks or owls. Look at the biological rhythm of your baby. If he is very sleepy by 8 in the morning and has no interest in food, then breakfast should be shifted by 9−10 in the morning, and if you have a lark, then it is likely that porridge at 7 in the morning will make it even more active and cheerful.

Which products are we introducing first?

Due to the fact that the need to introduce complementary foods is dictated by the physiological needs of the baby for additional nutrients that the baby can no longer get with breast milk / formula, then products with a high nutritional value should be chosen.

One of the earliest deficiencies is iron deficiency in infancy. Based on this, pediatricians recommend the first to introduce cereals, meat, fish or eggs. Previously, meat and fish were offered in complementary feeding regimens after 6-7 months of age, but studies have confirmed the benefit of early introduction of meat into the diet of children under one year old to maintain normal blood hemoglobin levels.
It is important that for better absorption of iron from animal products, they should be combined with vegetables rich in vitamin C (broccoli, sweet peppers or pumpkin).
But most parents, of course, are more accustomed to starting complementary foods with a cereal dish. Therefore, of all cereals, we choose buckwheat, the richest in trace elements and iron (7 mg / 100 g of cereal). The first porridge for the baby should be dairy-free, without additional enrichment with sugar and salt, without gluten (the protein of some cereals). Therefore, buckwheat, as well as rice and corn, are ideal for a first acquaintance.
Thus, porridge, vegetables and meat will be the first complementary foods on the baby's table. By 6-7 months, the child may well become familiar with all these food groups and absorb them well.
The volume of the dish should not exceed the conventional norm (the size of the fist of a small person ≈ 80-100 g at the beginning of the journey) and then grow with the child.

Sample menu at 5 months. for artificial owl:

6:30 - mixture.

09:30 - dairy-free porridge 80 g + mixture.

13:00 onwards - mixture.

Sample menu for 6 months for an infant-lark:

5:00 - GV.

7:30 - dairy-free porridge + GW/mixture.

10:00 − GV.
13:00 - vegetables with meat + GW / mixture.
16:00 and beyond - GW / mixture.

What not to give before 1 year

ALL food groups must be included in the menu of young children so that it is varied and complete, but a number of adult dishes should not fall on the children's table. It is important for parents to know what should be EXCLUDED from children's diet:

Added sugar and salt, which increases the load on the excretory system and increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in older age.
Honey - due to the risk of botulism.
Large varieties of fish (tuna, salmon) due to high mercury content.
Seaweed due to its high iodine content, which can disrupt thyroid function.
Spinach and beets, because they easily accumulate pesticides, the dose of which is toxic to children.

Where to be alert?

There is a group of foods with a high allergenic potential: wheat, fish, eggs, nuts, seafood and cow's milk. These foods are more likely than others to cause food allergies. But studies have shown that the introduction of food allergens in the first year of life reduces the risk of developing food allergies at an older age. Therefore, it is not necessary to sharply limit the introduction of these products, it is necessary to apply a more careful attitude to them. The introduction of any allergenic food should be against the background of the relative health of the baby, outside the day of vaccination and without the combination of other NEW foods. Within 3-5 days, mix small amounts of new into the main dish and observe the reaction.
But red fruits and vegetables are long gone from this list. The presence of moderate redness of the cheeks, chin after eating strawberries is not a cause for excessive concern. It is necessary to repeat the introduction of the berry in a couple of days and make sure that there is no reaction or that it is only a local short-term one.

So is PORRIDGE or VEGETABLES?

In order to make a rational decision to start introducing complementary foods, parents should contact their pediatrician. There are benefits to each type of food, and according to the child's health and maturity, the pediatrician will help the loving mother make the choice.
Porridge is an ideal cereal product that is a rich source of energy, dietary fiber and trace elements. For the first feeding, both buckwheat and rice porridge are perfect. Specialized children's cereals are additionally enriched with a vitamin-mineral mixture, which helps to maintain a balance of nutrients in the child's diet and prevent the development of nutritional deficiencies. Baby Premium porridge for the first feeding is a lifesaver for mom, because it meets all the requirements for the transition of the child to adult nutrition, dissolves easily (without prolonged stirring and lumps) to the desired consistency and is represented by several cereals (rice, buckwheat , corn).
Vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins, trace elements and fiber. Vegetable purees or light vegetable soups can also be introduced first due to their low allergenic potential, good digestibility and high nutritional value. The most common FIRST vegetables are zucchini or types of cabbage (broccoli or cauliflower), but this is not a strict rule, carrots or avocados can also be offered to the child. Against the background of the introduction of vegetable puree, the child very often begins to change the chair, which is normal and natural and should not frighten parents. Vegetables should be offered to the child in larger quantities than cereals or meat, as they contain fewer calories per unit weight. If you combine vegetables and grains or vegetables and meat in one meal, then the feeling of satiety will last longer.

What YOUR choice will be is up to YOU!

#Nutrition for children up to a year #Complementary food

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what foods can be given to a child

Reviewer Kovtun Tatiana Anatolievna

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August 19, 2022

Complementary foods are any foods other than breast milk and infant formula. Often they are introduced into the baby's diet after the fourth, fifth or sixth month of life. Is this approach correct and how can I feed a child at 5 months?

When do complementary foods start at five months

Current research shows that the optimal age for introducing complementary foods for all children is four to six months. This period is even called the "critical window". It is then that the foundations of the tolerance of different types of food are laid in the body and the need for new nutrients arises. The baby may already lack the nutrients that he receives from mother's milk or formula. The baby needs vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, additional sources of energy and other important nutrients. It's time to introduce him to a variety of taste sensations and form taste habits for life. And of course, learn important chewing skills.

The age of 4-6 months for the introduction of complementary foods is also recommended by the European Nutrition Committee ESPGHAN, the Union of Pediatricians of Russia and other specialists in nutrition and health of children. At the same time, the terms are individual, and you should always consult with a specialist. But for a healthy child, in the absence of additional indications, the best age to start complementary foods is four to five to six months.

It used to be thought that exclusive breastfeeding should introduce complementary foods earlier. But recently, scientists have found that at this age, breast milk no longer always fills the need for micronutrients, especially iron. Thus, the age of 4 to 6 months for the start of complementary feeding is now recognized as the “gold standard” for both breastfeeding and formula feeding ^[1] .

What foods to introduce into the baby's diet

The best first complementary foods that will complement the diet of a child at 5 months, experts consider children's vegetable purees or children's dairy-free cereals. In this case, the choice depends on the characteristics of the child. For children with reduced body weight or frequent stools, porridge is more suitable, and for babies with excess weight and constipation, mashed potatoes.

The first vegetable purees should consist of only one type of vegetable. Frutonyan's assortment includes mashed marrows, cauliflower and broccoli. It is these vegetables that experts recommend because of their delicate fiber. The composition of products is not allowed the presence of flavorings, dyes, preservatives, added starch, sugar and salt.

The first porridge for feeding should also be one-component. Start with gluten-free cereals: buckwheat, corn or rice. Pediatricians insist on cereals of industrial production, which are enriched with useful components.

Buckwheat, rice and corn porridge "FrutoNyanya" correspond to all recommendations. They contain a complex of vitamins (C, E, PP, pantothenic acid, B2, B1, B6, A, folic acid, D3, biotin, B12) and minerals (iron, zinc, iodine).

It is far from always possible to supplement the nutrition of a child at 5 months with complementary foods the first time. Sometimes it takes 10-15 attempts for the baby to accept a new product. Parents must be calm and consistent, and then everything will definitely work out. And from six months, you can offer your baby several different cereals or mashed potatoes.

It is best if by the year the child’s diet contains 3-4 types of vegetables and the same number of cereals. And you can not delay the introduction of baby meat puree after six months, as these products supplement the diet with essential nutrients.

Complementary feeding rules at five months

Understanding how you can feed a child at 5 months, you can move on to how to do it.

Use a spoon to feed porridge or puree. Don't give food on your finger.
A new product is introduced into the diet gradually. For the first time, the portion should be minimal, no more than 1/5 of the recommended rate. Then the amount is gradually increased and brought to the required level within a week.
Each time after feeding, closely monitor tolerance. To make it easier to control the possible reaction of the body, complementary foods should be introduced in the morning.
Complementary foods should not be introduced during infectious diseases, and should not be combined with vaccination. After the next vaccination, at least 3-5 days should pass.
Complementary foods are given to a child who is hungry - that is, before breastfeeding or formula. When breastfeeding, it is important to keep it for the entire duration of the introduction of different types of complementary foods, that is, at least up to a year.
Complementary foods contain less water than breast milk or infant formula. Therefore, babies are offered water in small portions between feedings. In addition to complementary foods, a child needs 150-200 ml of water per day. It is better to use special bottled, but boiled is also suitable.

Sample menu for a 5 month old baby

Once the complementary foods have stabilized, its tentative five-month schedule looks like this:

Vegetable puree: 150 g daily + 1–3 g vegetable oil;
porridge: 150g daily + 1-3g butter.

As they grow older, other foods are added to complementary foods: fruit, meat purees, cottage cheese, kefir, yogurts, baby juices, baby cookies, and so on.

How to feed a baby at 5 months: which porridge and puree to choose

Experts advise not to cook cereals on your own, but to start complementary foods with industrial-made cereals. By choosing a responsible brand, parents can be sure of the quality and safety of the product.

What about puree? In this matter, pediatricians are also on the side of finished products. Purees produced at the factory have a number of advantages:

high quality raw material;
compliance with strict hygiene requirements;
laboratory tested chemical composition, including vitamin content regardless of the season;
optimum degree of grinding.

It hardly makes sense to cook mashed potatoes on your own, which is inferior in quality to the factory one.