FEEDING BABY FORMULA
Although breast milk is preferred,
there are certain circumstances which may happen and requires feeding baby
formula. From now on you'll find this lusty little chap of yours is to
be considered in family affairs. Six months represents completion of half that
all-important first year during which your child grows and develops faster than
at any other time.
FORMULA CHANGE & SOLID FOODS
Many doctors find it best to change
the baby from formula to homogenized milk at this age rather than earlier. The
switch can now be made because the digestive tract and kidneys are mature.
Some doctors prefer to wait and start fruit at 5 months. They've
been delayed until now because these doctors feel that if fruits are the first
solid given, babies tend to refuse other solids when introduced. Giving fruits
which have a tendency to loosen the stools (prunes, apricots, peaches) prevents
constipation. Applesauce and bananas may cause
stools to form a little.
If there is a tendency to allergy in your family, your doctor may prefer to
postpone giving the baby orange juice, egg, an the wheat containing cereals.
Mother's milk should be continued to be given.
If egg yolk is given, here's a sample
of the baby's menu.
Morning—egg yolk and cereal
Noon meal—vegetables and pudding or fruit Evening meal—meat and fruit or
vegetables
Milk from a cup or bottle should accompany each meal. A bottle may also be given
at bedtime or early in the morning.
NEW FOODS ON HIS MENU
At the half-year mark, stewed fruits and simple desserts
made with gelatin or milk can go on the menu. Introduce him to vegetable, liver,
lamb, or beef soups, or soups which have a cream base. The mixed meat and
vegetable products have a low meat content; they should no replace his regular
meats.
FINGER FOODS
As most babies approach their seventh- month birthday, they're able
to eat "finger foods" without choking on them. Small round dry cereals, toast,
baby cookies, and graham crackers can he picked up with the fingers. If the
baby consistently chokes on any of these, stop giving them to him.
Some babies have more sensitive gag reflexes and will have a tendency to gag and
vomit if coarse foods touch the back of
throat. If your baby has difficulty with these finger foods, try them again in a
few weeks. |