How To Help Your Baby Develop Good Eating Habits
Good eating habits start with the introduction of solids. However, teaching your child to eat well won't be an easy ride.
Most children have their own ways to tell you whether they are hungry or full. How you respond to these cues will help your child understand your reactions and his own expectations. More importantly, do try to continue to breastfeed your child till they are at least 2 years old as recommended by the World Health Organisation while continuing to develop a regular soft to solid food eating pattern for them from 6 months of age. If you are a working mother, express your milk.
Feeding soft and solid foods
- Feed your child at regular times
- If you are buying foods from off the shelf, look for less salt & sugar content.
- If you are cooking, add less salt & sugar.
- Introduce mashed or blended vegetable and fruits into their food at 7~8 months.
- Make feeding time an enjoyable experience.
Good to know
- Though you mean well, try not to overly coerce or restrict your child’s consumption of food as you may be surprised to know that your child has a remarkable ability to adjust their intake according to energy needs.
- Remember, the food you introduce will help to shape your child’s food preference.
- Don’t reward with sweets. Reward with encouragement and love e.g. bear hugs & kisses.
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