The nutrition a newborn receives during his first several months of life are vital to his growth and development. As a doting mom, you can set him on a healthy path by carefully selecting foods packed with nutrients and appropriate for his developing digestive system. As you plan your newborn’s daily menus, consider the nutrient benefit of each newborn’s food you select.
Breast milk
Breast milk is the food of choice for many infants. KidsHealth.org reports that breast milk provides unparalleled benefits to infants. This natural wonder contains an assortment of vitamins and minerals that newborns need for proper development. It is easy to digest. Breast milk is naturally enriched with antioxidants that many studies have suggested sets kids up for avoidance of everything from diabetes to asthma reports KidsHealth.org. While the benefits of breast milk can be replicated in part, many medical professionals contend that no other dietary option is quite as nutrient-rich and health-promoting.
Formula
Moms who opt not to nurse must replace breast milk with the next best thing: baby formula. Modern formulas are fortified with nutrients, including eye and brain developing DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, and AA, or arachidonic acid. The National Institutes of Health notes that these additives have been linked to improved overall health in infants who feast on formula.
Rice Cereal
Many infants begin their venture into solid foods with rice cereal. Some moms swear by slipping small portions of rice cereal mixtures into a bottle full of formula or breast milk. These moms often insist that this added sustenance can calm their tots more effectively than a liquid diet alone.Dr. Alan Greene and his team of medical professionals at DrGreen.com, suggest that moms resist the urge to use cereal as a milk additive, but instead wait until their developing infant is ready to eat with a spoon before introducing this food choice. Generally, this first introduction to solid foods should be made once the child has head control and is capable of sitting without assistance in a high chair, generally when she is 6 months old.
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