A four month old baby is at the time of breastfeeding. If there is sufficient breast milk, the baby may not need to add complementary foods. However, if the mother's breast milk is not enough, it is best to add formula milk for mixed feeding. It is not advisable to add complementary foods too early at this time. At four months old, babies have not yet grown teeth and their digestive system is not fully developed. Adding complementary foods at this time may cause many discomforts. This article will introduce how babies should add complementary foods.
1、 Can a four month old baby add complementary foods
Generally speaking, it is best for mothers to breastfeed their babies until they are six months old before adding complementary foods. But some mothers may not be able to continue breastfeeding their babies exclusively due to work or insufficient breast milk. At this time, whether the baby can add complementary foods earlier can be advised by the doctor based on the actual development of the baby.
Reminder: The World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the UK Department of Health all recommend that exclusive breastfeeding should be continued for at least 6 months, and after 6 months, complementary foods should be added to infants. Because breast milk can meet all nutritional needs, including water, up to six months ago. Six months is when babies begin to adapt to different foods, and it is also the best time for different food structures and feeding methods. Authoritative experts consider the digestive system of babies and the nutritional issues of breast milk, so it is best for mothers who have the conditions to exclusively breastfeed their babies until they are 6 months old.
2、 How to add complementary foods to babies
Main food: breast milk or formula milk
Auxiliary foods: warm water, cold water, fruit juice, vegetable juice, cod liver oil.
Meal times: once every 4 hours.
Feeding time:
In the morning:
Breastfeeding for 10-15 minutes at 6 o'clock, or 180 milliliters of formula milk;
Drink 90 milliliters of diluted vegetable juice at 8 o'clock;
Feed 90 milliliters of diluted fresh orange or tomato juice and a small amount of fruit puree at 12 o'clock.
Afternoon:
Breastfeeding for 10-15 minutes at 14:00, or 180 milliliters of formula milk;
At 15:00, feed 80ml of diluted vegetable juice and a small amount of fresh vegetable puree;
At 16:00, feed 90ml of warm water (or cold water) and add an appropriate amount of white sugar;
Breastfeeding for 10-15 minutes at 18:00, or 180ml of formula milk.
At night:
Breastfeeding for 10-15 minutes at 22:00, or 180 milliliters of formula milk;
Breastfeeding for 10-15 minutes at 2 a.m., or 180 milliliters of formula milk.
3、 What complementary foods are good for babies in the early stages
1. Rice soup and rice paste: Because rice soup is less likely to cause allergies in babies.
2. Fruit puree: egg yolk puree, banana puree, apple puree, red date puree, carrot puree, potato puree, tofu paste. Can broaden the baby's food range.
3. Juice: You can add vegetable juice, fruit juice, apple juice, and orange juice to make juice and take it directly. The taste and nutrition are good.
4. Egg yolk: You can add egg yolk and some chicken liver, grind them into a paste with a spoon, and give them to your baby to supplement iron. The addition of complementary foods must start from one type, gradually increase from one type, and increase from less to more. From thin to thick, from fine to coarse. Ensure safety.
Special attention: Egg yolk puree may cause allergies in babies. When adding egg yolk to complementary foods, try starting with a small amount. If no allergic reactions occur, continue to consume.
If your baby is exactly four months old, you can decide whether to add formula as an auxiliary feeding based on their condition. When the baby is six months old, you can add some complementary foods appropriately. There are still many types of complementary foods that can be added to a six month old baby. Actively adding complementary foods to babies is more beneficial for their growth and development.
