One of the best ways to bond with your kid is to feed them. It makes it possible for healthy growth, emotional stability, and long-term eating habits.
Pediatricians stress a few tried-and-true ways to feed babies that help them develop, feel well, and obtain the nutrients they need.
These expert-backed tips can help you feed your baby with love and confidence, whether you’re a new parent or just want to refresh your memory.
These 7 techniques to feed a baby are strongly recommended by pediatricians.
1. Feeding that works
Responsive feeding means paying attention to your baby’s symptoms of hunger and fullness and acting immediately, instead of according to a strict feeding schedule. Pediatricians argue that babies have natural reflexes that help them control how much they consume. Following these cues helps babies establish a healthy relationship with food. If your baby is rooting, sucking on their hands, or being fussy before they scream, that implies they are hungry.
If you reply immediately, the baby won’t get agitated, and feeding will be a good moment. This strategy also helps babies learn that feeding is a way to feel safe instead of tense, which makes them feel safe emotionally. Over time, your baby learns to believe that their wants will be met, which makes them feel safe and bonded.
Responsive feeding also minimizes the risk of overfeeding, which is particularly important for keeping kids from being fat later in life. Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, the most important thing is to pay attention to your baby’s instincts instead than outside timetables. If you believe in this rhythm, your baby’s growth and hunger will happen on their own.
2. Skin-to-skin contact while feeding
A lot of experts say that parents should contact their baby’s skin while they are feeding them, especially when they are infants. This simple item makes your kid feel safer and helps maintain their heart rate, body temperature, and breathing in check. It also helps babies latch on better and get more milk while breastfeeding, which makes feeding easier and faster.
Skin-to-skin contact is also good for newborns who are bottle-fed in terms of their emotional and physical growth. When you hold your baby close, they can hear your heartbeat, smell your scent, and feel your warmth. All of these things help you bond. This closeness can help newborns relax while they eat, especially if they are uncomfortable or were born too soon.
Skin-to-skin contact also modifies hormones in a way that is favorable for both the parent and the baby. It makes parents feel less stressed and makes emotional connections stronger by raising levels of oxytocin, the “love hormone.” Feeding time isn’t just about food anymore; it’s a chance to offer love and peace.
3. How to latch on the right way
A healthy latch is the most important thing for breastfeeding to work. Pediatricians believe that a baby not latching on properly might hurt your nipples, make it harder for milk to flow, and not feed enough. If your baby’s mouth covers more of the areola than just the nipple, it will help them latch on more deeply and milk will flow more easily.
Positioning is really crucial. Before your baby opens their lips, make sure their nose is level with your nipple when you hold them tummy-to-tummy. Don’t put your baby to your breast until they open their lips wide like they are yawning. This helps you stay in control and stops shallow attachment.
If your baby latches on correctly, you should see them suck and swallow in a steady rhythm with little pain. Their lips will be flared out, and their chin will touch your breast. A good latch not only makes sure your baby gets enough milk, but it also makes feeding time joyful and pain-free for both of you.
4. How to Burp After Eating
It might seem easy to burp, but pediatricians stress how crucial it is to keep gas from piling up and making you feel bad. Babies commonly swallow air when they eat. If they don’t get enough burping, they could feel cranky, throw up, or even show signs of mild colic. Burping your baby often in the middle and after each meal helps get rid of air that has become stuck.
Some babies do better in some positions than others. The usual way to hold someone is over the shoulder, across your lap, or over your knees. Gently touch or massage your baby’s back until you hear or feel a burp. Be patient, though, because some newborns may take longer than others.
Setting up a time to burp helps your body digest food and keeps you from being grumpy after eating. You need to burp babies who are breastfed every once in a while, but babies who are bottle-fed normally need to be burped more often. Your baby will be pleased and comfortable after every meal if you make burping a regular part of feeding.
5. Looking at each other while you eat
Feeding someone is more than simply providing them food; it’s also about making emotional connections. Pediatricians suggest that when you feed your baby, you should look them in the eye softly to help them bond with you and trust you. This shared look makes your infant feel safe, loved, and understood. It’s the initial step in talking to someone.
Babies can distinguish faces apart from a young age, and when you gaze them in the eye while feeding them, they learn to connect the two with love and comfort. It helps both of you release oxytocin, which makes you feel more calm and close to each other. These quiet, focused periods will bring you closer together and help your child feel truly cared for and observed.
Also, looking into each other’s eyes when feeding aids with emotional and mental growth. Babies learn how to read people’s faces and how to act in a group. Your kid will feel more stable because you feed them and look them in the eye every day. This is a great present for the first few months of their life.
6. Carefully Introducing Solid Foods
When the time is right, which is usually around six months, you should slowly and cautiously start offering your infant solid foods. Pediatricians recommend that you should start with purees that only have one ingredient, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or rice cereal, to check if your child is allergic to anything. Give your infant one little meal a day to start, and then add more as they get more interested and hungry.
Being mindful during feeding involves being patient and paying attention right now. Let your baby touch, smell, and feel new objects without any pressure. When they show signals that they are ready, including sitting up straight and reaching for your food, let them consume soft finger foods by themselves. This helps kids learn how to work together and be independent.
Also important is making sure that milk (breast or formula) is still the main source of nutrients while you convert to solid foods. Kids who consume a lot of various meals when they’re young are less likely to be picky eaters when they’re older. Make eating time calm and joyful. It’s not just a time to eat; it’s also a time to learn.
7. Keeping the feeding area calm
If you feed your infant in a tranquil place, it will be much better for them. Pediatricians stress how important it is to keep things like loud noises, bright screens, and unexpected movements to a minimal while feeding. Babies are incredibly aware of what’s going on around them, so a quiet spot to feed them helps them concentrate.
Feed your baby in a room that is calm and softly lit, and keep to a routine. Feeding your infant can be a peaceful routine if you hold them in a comfortable position, chat to them quietly, or play soft music. When babies are calm and comfortable, they eat better and enjoy it more.
Being consistent is also very crucial. When you feed your child at the same times and places every day, they will know it’s time to eat. This makes them feel safe. A calm environment not only helps with digestion, but it also makes relationships stronger and emotions more stable, which makes a lasting positive connection with food.
You don’t just have to feed your baby every day; it’s also an opportunity to express love, trust, and talk to them. Eating affects their emotional and physical wellbeing every time they do it. If you follow these seven guidelines from pediatricians, you will not only help your baby grow, but you will also build a strong, enduring bond with them based on care, comfort, and understanding.
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