Earlier when a baby was born, there were so many people to attend to it as the families lived together and all grandparents and parents could guide the new mother the different traditional methods of feeding and nourishing the baby. But today, when almost all the families are nuclear, a newly mother has to depend upon the doctors, some close friends, internet and books to get abreast with the knowledge of feeding a baby. If you have a relative who can enlighten you about these activities or stay with you for the initial blue days of feeding nothing can be better than that. But if not, this article will provide you the necessary information.

Since it’s said that the early milk of mother is full of nourishment and calcium for the baby, it should always be given to the baby. For initial 4 months nothing but the mother’s milk is needed by the baby. Not even water! Slowly as your baby starts touching 6 months you can start other fluids like natural fresh fruit juices, soup made from boiled pulses, mashed potato (in small quantity), and milk. Never ever feed you baby with packed or tinned food as preservatives are too bad for health at such tender age.

Milk too should be boiled every time you are giving it to the baby as many infections in the infancy like dehydration or dysentery are caused by infected milk.

Introduction of solid food

As the baby grows up so does his activities and now he needs something more solid. You can start with whole grain biscuits and milk or brown bread made moist and soft in milk. Plain rice, cooked vegetables in small quantity or vegetable soup, some grounded dry fruits for minerals too can be added in his meal. Your baby may at times irritate you by denying food or spilling it out from the mouth, but this is the trial and error period and you should introduce him with different tastes so that he gets to know all types of food and its tastes and also all the important nutrients.

When your baby becomes a toddler, he constantly want something in his hand to chew as a passing time. At such times, keep salted dry nuts and fruit pieces handy. Never make him habituated to instant snacks as this habit can damage his likes and dislikes of taste. Many times doctors advise you to give protein powder with milk to your baby for growth of muscles and bones. Although you should once in a day give these protein powders as a treat to your baby, stress should be more on making the essential nutrients available through natural diet.

Cleanliness and hygiene is must while your baby is growing as he is very tender and newcomer to the world. At such a young age, his immunity is very low and he is prone to get affected by different infections and diseases. His napkins, clothes and feeding utensils should be boiled cleanly every day and kept away from the hands of others.

These simple yet small steps can help you to nourish your baby in a healthy way.