Surely you’ve noticed it — On one hand you are advised to breastfeed exclusively for at least six months and on the other hand you have famous brands of baby foods labeled from four months onward.
The conflict is too obvious to ignore, and we haven’t even begun on the pressure from others to wean your baby as early as possible. Still, like everything else to do with your baby, it is ultimately in your hands.
At BabyTalk, however, we’re inclined to be biased toward the former, but please do note that the information found here is meant as a guide and does not replace professional medical advice. It is important to discuss the introduction of solid foods with your pediatrician.
When you have a baby, expect that half the people you know will suddenly be an expert on how you should raise your baby. While some of this advice can be useful, some may not do your baby or you any good. The main thing is to be educated yourself on what’s best for your baby, especially when it comes to nutrition.
In some situations though, particularly when older, more experienced relatives are involved, it can be a tad intimidating, for there’s the fear of insulting them. That’s one of the main reasons why many parents give in to many things, including weaning off breastmilk earlier than planned.
Back in the day, the rules about starting solids were very different and some infants were fed solid foods as early as 6 weeks of age!
When you’re being pressured with advice and when you know better based on current, more accurate baby care guidelines, try pointing out that the advice being offered conflicts with what’s given by your child’s pediatrician.
Here’s what to be wary of when it comes to advice from well-meaning friends and relatives:
- Start your baby on solids early so that the little one can sleep better at night. Not only is this untrue, but starting solids too early may well cause digestive problems and discomfort which in turn may result in more sleepless nights instead of less!
- Your baby needs to drink water from day one, regardless if he or she is being breastfed. Here’s the fact: While formula-fed babies may need a bit of extra water now and then, especially during dry or hot weathers, only a little is required. Too much water will fill up that little tummy and the baby will not want to drink the required feeding of milk. Breastfed babies on the other hand do not require ANY extra water if nursed frequently.
- Your breastfed baby must be given iron supplements or iron-fortified cereal. This isn’t always the case — iron supplements may be needed for some infants who are not getting enough iron, but not all. Always consult your pediatrician before making such decisions.
- Your baby needs to eat more. Babies are born with the instinct of knowing what their bodies need and when. Forcing feeds onto babies will affect their natural ability to judge when and if they have had enough or are full.
In conclusion, as loving human beings, we will always value the relationship we have with our family and friends, even if their opinions differ from what we believe to be true. Use tact at all times and have faith that as long as you’re doing right by your child, all will be well.
Featured image source: www.baby-chick.com
