Lure is the gradual introduction into the diet of a baby, juices or a puree of fruits and vegetables. Also, it's porridge, meat, fish and sour-milk products.
Why introduce lure?
The baby grows, develops, starts to move actively and sooner or later, but only mother's milk ceases to be enough for him. Now he needs more nutritious and high-calorie food. So, we need the lure because:
- the supply of new products enriches the growing organism with the necessary nutrients - proteins, vitamins and minerals;
- at a certain stage, breast milk or its substitute can no longer meet the needs of the child;
- new food develops and exerts a certain strain on the organs of the digestive system;
- lure stimulates the proper operation of the intestines, prevention of constipation;
- mastering new tastes and smells widens the horizon of the baby.
When can I enter the first lure?
To date, there is no common opinion about when it is necessary to start injecting a lactating baby. Previously, it was believed that it is worth to introduce the children to the new food from the age of 4 months. Now most experts advise to introduce complementary feeding with breastfeeding (GV), when the child is at least six months old. In turn, the World Health Organization also recommends introducing lactation to babies only from the age of 6 months.
Definitely not in a hurry to introduce complementary foods. Medical research shows that up to 4 months the digestive system of the baby is not yet ready to perceive the "adult" food. Premature introduction of new products can cause disruptions in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, lead to allergies, cause atypical dermatitis and other problems.
At the same time, in the presence of certain medical indications (lack of weight gain, hypotrophy ), sometimes it is worth to introduce the child to new products from the age of 4 months. You should also consider the type of feeding and the features of the baby's birth. So, an artificial person or a premature baby can begin to introduce complementary foods when it's 4-4.5 months old.
Terms of keeping a new food in the diet of a child should depend on the individual characteristics of the baby, as well as the quality and quantity of milk of the mother.
In order not to be mistaken with when to introduce complementary foods, it is necessary to take into account not only the age of the child, but also certain signs of psychophysiological readiness.
The baby is ready to introduce complementary foods, if:
- learned to hold his head on his own;
- he can sit with support on the chair or knees of adults;
- It adds weight well;
- is able to hold a spoon;
- there are signs of hunger - the frequency of feeding increases;
- the food of adults is of great interest.
Accompanying the baby to new food is a very important stage of physical and emotional development. If you are late with the introduction of complementary foods, then you may encounter a number of problems. Lack of energy and necessary nutrients often leads to a developmental lag
Gradual introduction of complementary foods will give the child the necessary nutrients for further development. But it is very important that the child continues to receive a sufficient amount of breast milk. When it is better to start introducing lactation to a baby - it is necessary to decide taking into account the individual characteristics of each baby. Do not rush to wean the baby from breastfeeding. After breastfeeding - a thin, invisible connection with the baby, which makes him feel safe.