Features of the diet of a six-month-old baby on artificial feeding

At what months can complementary foods be introduced?

Contrary to popular belief, a baby's intestines under 6 months of age are not ready to digest any food? In addition to breast milk or a special formula, the body of an artificial baby quickly adapts to the processing of new products.

The age for expanding the children's menu is determined individually at an appointment with a pediatrician. For a normally developing bottle-fed child, complementary foods are introduced at 4.5 months.

Timely and correct expansion of the children's menu allows you to quickly cope with regurgitation, colic and constipation, which often accompany the use of infant formula. With its help, the development of anemia and rickets is prevented, and the rate of weight gain is normalized. Late introduction of complementary foods is fraught with inhibition in the baby’s development: he will later learn to chew and swallow food of unusual consistency.

When to start introducing complementary foods

There is still debate about the start time of complementary feeding. But if we bring scientific reasoning to a common denominator, the conclusion suggests itself that complementary feeding can be introduced from about six months, and for children with certain medical indications - from 3-5 months. Many experts believe that six months is the ideal time for complementary feeding, when the first colic is behind us and the digestive system has matured enough to try new foods. Only a pediatrician can give an exact answer to the question of when to introduce complementary foods to a particular child. In some situations, it may be necessary to introduce new dishes into the baby’s diet as early as 4 months, while others will be ready for this only after six months.

Basic rules of introduction

The main requirement for introducing complementary foods is that the child must be absolutely healthy. The sequence of introducing new dishes should be agreed with the pediatrician. Immediately remember the list of allergenic products: cow's milk, chicken egg white, citrus fruits, nuts, cereals containing gluten.

Otherwise, listen to the doctor and get ready to create bright purees using a blender, steamer, meat grinder, or food processor.

Reminder for introducing complementary foods:

1. At 1 meal, the child is offered 1 new product.

It is administered, increasing the volume daily. Each unusual dish is offered in the amount of 1/4 teaspoon, gradually increasing the portion to a volume appropriate to the baby’s age;

1. New foods and drinks are given only from a spoon.

The habit of getting everything from a bottle will negatively affect the baby’s development - he will later learn to chew and speak.

1. Complementary foods are always introduced in the sitting position.

For the convenience of mother and baby, it is better to use a special high, washable highchair for feeding.

1. Consistency of complementary foods.

The first new items on the menu should be served in the form of purees or juices, since the baby cannot yet chew and does not have the required number of teeth for this.

1. A new product is introduced a week after the previous one.

Parents should have enough time to assess the reaction of the baby and his body to the changes in nutrition.

1. Don't force your baby to eat.

Do not cultivate the idea that the time for complementary feeding has already come. Each child has its own pace of development and force-feeding will only slow it down and stop weight gain;

1. Keep a food diary.

In it you will note the baby’s daily menu and portion sizes. If a gastrointestinal disorder or allergy occurs, the notes taken will help you determine their cause;

1. Offer a new product before the mixture.

It should be warm and fresh. Use sterilized dishes, equipment and cutlery for cooking and feeding;

1. Complementary foods should be introduced at the same time.

It is best to do this during the second pre-lunch feeding, so that during the day you can see the child’s body’s reaction to the new product;

1. Composition, shelf life and other characteristics.

When purchasing purees and juices in the store, pay attention to the composition of the product, the date of manufacture, the reputation of the manufacturer and the age of the baby for whom it was created. It is unacceptable for the ingredients to include sucrose, salt, and dextrose.

A young mother shares advice on the rules for introducing complementary foods month by month.

The procedure for introducing complementary foods when artificially feeding a baby

The introduction of complementary foods should be accompanied by a strict feeding schedule: 5-6 feedings, each of which, removing formula from the diet of a one-year-old baby, is gradually replaced by a full meal.

The child’s diet consists of products grown or produced in the region of residence - this is some guarantee of their naturalness. If a food allergy is observed, the provoking product is reintroduced no earlier than after 1 month.

Complementary feeding should not be introduced if:

• The child is sick;
• Less than 3 days ago, a routine vaccination was done;
• The baby is teething, which is accompanied by fever, whims, and unstable sleep;
• The child gets used to some changes in life: the mother goes to work, the family travels or experiences a house move;
• The baby has been diagnosed with allergies, gastrointestinal disorders and skin rashes.

Determining the child’s readiness for complementary feeding

It is necessary to introduce new products, focusing not only on the baby’s age, but also on other signs of the child’s immediate desire to try something other than the mixture.

If the first attempt to give your baby juice, puree or porridge from a spoon ended with him grimacing, coughing or spitting it out, then you started acting early. Try again in a couple of weeks.

Signs your baby wants to diversify his diet:

1. The child does not eat 1 liter of formula per day and requires more frequent feedings;
2. The baby already has his first teeth, he makes chewing movements with his mouth if you give him something to try;
3. When presenting a spoon, the baby opens his mouth and looks intently at its contents;
4. He is interested in his parents’ food, reaches for the plate, tries to try everything;
5. The baby takes various objects and purposefully pulls them into his mouth;
6. The child sits well, controls the body, turns his head;
7. The baby's tongue thrust reflex has faded somewhat. If you give him a drink from a spoon, its contents will not flow down his chin;
8. The baby's weight has doubled since birth;
9. The child is ready to eat on his own if given the opportunity: he takes food with his hands, brings it to his mouth, tastes it, swallows or spits it out.

If you observe at least 5 of these signs every day, then you can safely begin introducing complementary foods.

How to introduce a new complementary food product?

• You need to start with one type of least allergenic product. The interval between the introduction of various complementary foods should be at least 5–7 days. While your baby begins to try something new, you should carefully examine the skin every day for any rashes, and also monitor your stool. If rashes appear or the nature of stool changes (frequent and liquid), you must stop feeding and consult a doctor.
• A new product should not be introduced if the child is unwell or during preventive vaccinations; it is not advisable to start it in hot weather.
• It is recommended to give the “new product” before breastfeeding - then a hungry baby will most likely react positively to the food. In addition, it is better to offer a new dish in the first half of the day in order to monitor the baby’s condition throughout the day.
• Complementary feeding is given to the baby only from a spoon, and not through a pacifier.
• You should not strive for excessive variety in the diet of a small child; for a start, 2-3 types of vegetables, introduced progressively (one per week), are enough. It is necessary to adhere to certain schemes for introducing new foods into the baby’s diet.

Options for first feeding for an artificial baby

The product for the first complementary feeding is determined together with the pediatrician observing the baby. It can be fruit juice, vegetable or fruit puree, cereal porridge. In any case, it should be only 1 product that has undergone certain processing.

Fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins necessary for a child's body; they are easily digested. Porridge is preferable if your baby is lagging behind in weight gain. Having opted for fruit puree, be prepared that your baby may not want to eat vegetable puree, because it is not nearly as tasty.

For the first feeding you can prepare:

• Apple juice, which is not allergenic.

If you find it too sour, you can dilute it with boiled water;

• Vegetable puree.

From boiled zucchini, pumpkin, squash, green peas, cauliflower or broccoli. You can add a little salt to it when cooking, a drop of sunflower oil.

• Fruit puree.

Made from baked apple, pear, peach or apricot.

• Porridge.

Rice or buckwheat, cooked in water without sugar. The first is preferable if the child often suffers from bowel disorders, the second - if constipation is observed. You should not choose other grains because they contain gluten, which can cause allergic reactions.

To prevent your baby from finding the first complementary food tasteless, add a few drops of the mixture to it. It is unacceptable to include sugar, fructose, or honey in juices. It is better to choose seasonal vegetables and fruits.

If this is not possible, use your own from the freezer. If this is not the case, you need to buy industrially produced juices and purees. They are prepared from specially grown organic fruits and vegetables, which is confirmed by quality certificates.

The appearance of mucus in the baby's stool or diarrhea is a reason to temporarily exclude vegetables and fruits from the menu, replacing them with cereals. If the first complementary feeding results in an allergic reaction, do not delay expanding your baby’s menu in horror that you have harmed him with your “innovations”; simply exclude for a month a product for which the baby’s gastrointestinal tract is not yet ready. Replace it with another dish after the rash, colic and other symptoms of food allergies are eliminated.

The first portion of a new product should be no more than 5 g (0.5-1 tsp). Every day it should increase by 10 g until it completely replaces the mixture in a certain feeding.

The consistency of the first puree is liquid, the density also increases gradually. Along with complementary feeding, boiled water is included in the baby’s diet - up to 50 ml for children up to 6 months, up to 100 ml for babies up to one year.

What food can you give a six month old baby?

The selection of menus for children at this age is based on the physiological characteristics of their digestive system. Even if the mother really wants to treat the baby to something tasty, it is better to exercise caution and discuss the introduction of a new component with the pediatrician.

At six months, the digestive system is not yet strong, and heavy foods can cause upset or allergies. There are several products that can be safely given to a six-month-old baby:

• vegetables: it is advisable to start complementary feeding with them since they have a rather bland taste, and if you offer something more tasty, he is unlikely to want to eat them. Zucchini is a great place to start, but with potatoes it’s better to wait a little;
• fruits: you can give apples, apricots, pears, both juices and purees are suitable;
• porridge: it is better to choose ready-made gluten-free products, they do not require cooking and contain all the necessary nutrients;
• You can give your toddler soft cheese from dairy, but it’s advisable to wait a little with cottage cheese;
• meat: it is given in the form of broth or liquid, thoroughly ground gruel from beef, veal, turkey.

If your baby’s body reacts to a new food with loose stools, rashes or other alarming symptoms, you should refrain from eating such a product for at least two weeks. After this time, you can offer it again. If the negative reaction recurs, you should consult a doctor.

Expansion of complementary feeding by month

Pediatricians recommend expanding the food menu for some children as early as 3 months. This may be due to anemia, lack of vitamins in the body, or poor weight gain.

It is important to gradually increase portions of new foods, supplementing the baby with formula at first - the total volume of food received in one meal should be approximately 150 ml. Do not forget to alternate complementary foods and main feedings so as not to overload the baby’s gastrointestinal tract. For example:

1. Mixture;
2. Porridge + mixture;
3. Mixture;
4. Puree + juice + mixture;
5. Mixture.

Below are recommendations for preparing new dishes for your baby and a table for increasing portions according to age.

Nutrition at 3 months

Diversify your baby's menu with natural fruit juice. It is better if a green apple is used to prepare it. The pulp is removed from the juice, and the liquid is diluted in half with boiled water. The warm drink is given to the baby in the amount of just a few drops, and the portion increases slightly every day. Over time, it is permissible to introduce peach, pear and apricot juices into the menu.

Nutrition at 4 months

Fruit and vegetable purees are added to the juices in the menu in a self-determined order. Among fruits, preference should be given to apricots, peaches, green apples and pears, and banana (it is given only raw).

The best vegetables for complementary feeding are: zucchini, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, pumpkin, green peas, carrots and potatoes. The first puree should be one-component. When the baby gets used to the products offered separately, they can be mixed into one dish.

Selected vegetables and fruits are pre-boiled, stewed or baked. The puree is prepared using a blender; you can add a little mixture to it so that the taste seems “familiar” to the baby. You can dilute the vegetable dish to the required thickness with boiled water or broth left after cooking. Fruit puree can be brought to the required consistency using juice.

Instead of puree, it is possible to introduce gluten-free and dairy-free porridge. It is prepared in water; the grain should be finely ground. Choose buckwheat or rice porridge. It is better to offer it for breakfast, and shift vegetables and fruits to the afternoon.

At 5 months

A new product in the baby’s diet is vegetable oil. It is added to vegetable purees, or you can drop it into porridge if it tastes better for your baby. Olive oil is a controversial product, so discuss with your pediatrician the possibility of including it in the children's menu. Dishes may be a little thicker, but without lumps. Fruit juice can sometimes be replaced with compote. The latter should also not be made too concentrated; it is better to dilute it with water.

In six months

It's time to switch the baby to milk porridge. First, they are prepared with milk, half diluted with boiling water; subsequently, the pure product is used. If you are allergic to cow protein, you can use goat milk. In porridges and purees it is allowed to add butter and boiled yolk. If chicken eggs are not suitable, replace them with quail eggs. The yolk can be offered to the baby as a separate treat, crushed with a fork and mixed with the milk mixture.

It is permissible to diversify the diet with kefir and cottage cheese. Although the respected Dr. Komarovsky believes that these products are the best for first feeding, many pediatricians do not share his opinion. Check with your doctor. These products contain bacteria beneficial for microflora and a lot of calcium, but they create a heavy load on the baby’s kidneys.

When preparing kefir and yogurts yourself, purchase the starter exclusively from pharmacies. Do not add sugar or fructose to them. Pay attention in the table to the maximum allowable amount of these products in the diet of a growing baby.

Nutrition at 7 months

At this age, you can include pureed meat in your diet. To prepare it, purchase meat without fat, veins and bones. Rabbit, turkey or chicken fillets are best suited for complementary feeding. Veal is allowed to be used if the baby is not allergic to cow protein. The meat is boiled or steamed, after which it is chopped with a blender or meat grinder.

You can diversify the menu by preparing not only puree from meat, but also pates and soufflés.

Meat broth is not used in any way, even in diluted form to improve the consistency of the puree. To stimulate the development of chewing skills, you can offer your baby a bagel, baby cookies or crackers, slightly soaked in compote, juice or kefir.

8 months

Cereals containing gluten are added to the diet. Start preparing oatmeal, barley, pearl barley, corn, and millet porridge for your baby. It is better not to introduce semolina into the diet until one is a year old - it is too high in calories and the least healthy. The baby can be served soup with meatballs. Its vegetable filling should be familiar to the child.

9 months

Your child can try low-fat fish, such as hake, cod, and perch. The fillet should be steamed, boiled, stewed or baked. Inspect it carefully for the presence of seeds - the puree should be smooth and tender. It is filled with vitamins and microelements and is easier to digest than meat. A fish dish should replace a meat dish twice a week; there is no need to include it in the menu more often.

Nutrition at 10-12 months

During this period, the baby’s portions become larger, and he is hardly fed formula. Vegetable purees become multi-component, and multi-grain porridges are prepared. Fruit juices and purees are added to cottage cheese, kefir and yogurt for taste; sugar is still prohibited. The meat and fish menu is complemented by steam cutlets. Instead of porridge, you can sometimes offer noodles cooked in milk. Prepare a casserole with fruit from cottage cheese.

Try offering your little one a piece of bread with the soup. You don’t have to grind the vegetables with a blender, but simply grind them or even cut them into slices. Knead the yolk with a fork. A meal can consist of several dishes at once. If the baby is healthy and not susceptible to food allergies, then new foods can be introduced more often - once every 3 days. You can safely start weaning your baby off the bottle, since his menu is very varied - he gets full.

Remember that all schemes are variable - the above is only an approximate plan for introducing complementary foods for an artificial baby. You should adapt only to your child, who may fall in love with one product and refuse another for a long time. Consult your pediatrician and please your baby.

Permissible amount of complementary feeding according to the age of the artificial baby

Approximate weight gain with proper introduction of complementary foods

Features of introducing complementary foods to premature babies on IV

If your baby was born premature, then the issue of introducing complementary foods should be discussed exclusively with the pediatrician observing him. The time for expanding the menu depends on the maturity of its internal systems, the beginning of the production of digestive enzymes, and diagnosing the absence of anemia. Much also depends on the child’s body weight at the time of birth and monthly weight gain.

Some doctors advise introducing complementary foods during the period of 4-6 months; sometimes this process is activated at 1-3 months with fruit juices and vegetable decoctions.

Premature babies are given meat, egg yolk, vegetables, liver and multi-grain cereals earlier. The latter are prepared not with water, but with milk mixture or vegetable broth. Complementary feeding is fully controlled by the pediatrician and adjusted based on the results of routine examinations and weighings.

Features of complementary feeding of a bottle-fed baby

There are some differences between babies who are on different types of feeding. During breastfeeding, the mother herself begins to gradually expand her diet. The baby tries new products indirectly, so the reaction to them is smoothed out. At the same time, the baby’s body is gradually preparing for the transition to adult food.

Many mothers are concerned about how to introduce complementary foods at 6 months. If only formula was present in the baby’s diet, then you need to be extremely careful. Parents must strictly follow the rules of complementary feeding. It is important to focus on the scheme of product introduction.

The formula is not a complete analogue of breast milk. Therefore, it is necessary to expand the baby’s menu carefully. You need to start with light and safe products. Sometimes situations arise when the child’s digestive system cannot cope even with one-component vegetable purees.

Because of this, the standard start of complementary feeding (at 6 months) has to be postponed for some time. And make up for the lack of nutrients with more frequent feeding.

There is also the opposite feature. Despite the fact that infant formula is rich in vitamins and minerals, their quantity is not enough for the baby’s growing body. In such a situation, complementary foods are introduced on the direct recommendation of the pediatrician.

Expanding the child's menu by month

Remember to adhere to acceptable portion sizes so as not to overfeed your baby with potentially dangerous foods, such as cottage cheese. From 8 months, main meals are organized 3 times a day, but no one has canceled light snacks, especially for a growing body. Always keep baby cookies, natural juices, fruits, and kefir in the refrigerator and take them with you on walks.

Menu options for a 6 month old baby

In the approximate diet of a six-month-old baby, formula milk still predominates, however, the menu is replenished with new products every week. The table will help you formulate a correct diet, taking into account the individual physiological characteristics of the child.

Designations:

I – diet of a healthy child during breastfeeding;

II – diet of a baby on IV, whose complementary feeding began at 4 months;

III – menu for a child suffering from an allergy to cow protein;

IV - menu for a breastfeeding child who began receiving complementary foods before 6 months for medical reasons.

The diet is designed for five meals a day according to the following schedule: at 06:00 (1), 10:00 (2), 14:00 (3), 18:00 (4) and 22:00 (5), and the numbers in the table indicate reception. The second column shows the average portion size, and the deviations for each case are indicated in parentheses next to the feeding time. This mode will allow you to correctly “tune” the baby’s biological clock. However, feeding times may vary from person to person.