Life definitely changes once a baby is on board, and there's nothing more interesting and exciting than your precious little bundle of joy. This section will answer many of your pressing parenting questions and hopefully help make life easier and more fun for you and your baby.
Hooray! Baby's Here. Now What?
- > Breast Feeding vs. Bottle Feeding
- > How to Make Breast Feeding Work
- > Essential Baby Items for Newborns
- > How Much Sleep Do Babies Need?
- > Signs of Postpartum Depression
- > Good Tips for Baby Immunizations
- > Fun Tips on How to Bond with Your Baby
Baby Safety
Being "Baby" Prepared
Behavior & Developmental Challenges
- > You Can Calm a Fussy Baby - Find Out How
- > Does My Baby Have Colic?
- > How to Identify a Growth Spurt
- > Is your Baby Teething? How You Can Help
- > Ways to Encourage Crawling
- > Ways to Help your Baby Sleep Well
Baby Health Issues & What to Do
- > Diaper Rash Remedies & Prevention
- > Help Your Constipated Baby Feel Better
- > Treatments for Cradle Cap
- > How to Help a Choking Baby
Developmental Milestones & Solid Foods
Age Milestones for Feeding Your Baby
Everyone knows that babies drink breast milk or formula from day one... but when do they start eating solid food? Also, most parents wonder what types of solid foods their baby can eat first. Here's a time line that will help you know when and what solid foods to introduce to your baby in the coming months.
- Month 1: Breast milk or Formula - You'll be feeding your baby, only breast milk or formula, every 2 - 3 hours for the 1st month. Your little one should drink about 4oz at each feeding. Your baby will probably cry if he's still hungry.
- Month 2: Increase Milk - Gradually increase your baby's milk intake from 4oz to 5oz per feeding. By month 4 your child will be drinking around 6oz at a time, 30oz per day, and middle of the night feedings can be eliminated for good, "Yipee!". Ask your doc when to wean your baby from night feedings.
- Months 4 - 6: Begin Solid Foods - Place your baby in an up right position when starting him or her on solid foods. If your baby pushes it away or fusses don't force it. It's important your baby enjoys the new menu, rather then starting on solids at a specific age. Always use a spoon when feeding your baby solids.
- Start Small - Start with a half a spoon full of solid baby food after your baby has drank some milk. If you introduce solids in a small dose your baby is more likely to accept this change.
- Start with Rice Cereal, Oatmeal and Barley - Typically people start by introducing babies to rice cereal. Next comes oatmeal, then barley. Always use food made for babies so you know it has the right nutrients for your little one.
- Introduce Meats at Mealtime - You can give your child meats, "baby food style", early on because meats are rich in iron and zinc which are great baby vitamins.
- Try One New Food At a Time - Wait 2 to 3 days before switching foods so your baby won't develop a preference for one food over another and also watch for signs of allergies. If your baby gets diarrhea or rash after eating a certain food then eliminate that food and talk with your pediatrician.
- Eating Regular Meals - Within 2 - 3 months after you introduce solids your baby's diet should consist of breast milk or formula, cereal, vegetables, meats and fruits. You should feed your baby 3 meals each day. Avoid eggs until your baby is well into solid foods.
- Hand Held Foods - These can be started when your baby can sit on his own. Try giving him a spoon and see what happens. Have those paper towels handy!
