(Information courtesy of Dr S.L. Koe, Paediatrician & Lactation Consultant. Tel. no. : 03-798 30539)

Below is an article prepared by a doctor. If you wish to get more ideas on cooking for baby, check out the Recipe section. In case you want to know how babies learn to eat, read what Dr. Cheang explained and also mothers' tips and suggestions.

BEST BABY AND CHILD FEEDING

For excellent health and development in your baby and young child, fully breastfeed for about 6 months. Thereafter, breastfeeding is continued together with solid foods to 2 years and beyond. Solid foods given to the child more than 6 months of age, complement but do not replace breastfeeding. The purpose of giving solid foods is to supply additional energy and nutrients (fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals etc) to the baby.

When and what solid foods to give

How to feed

Always feed breastmilk first before giving solid foods

At the first feeds, place the sppon on his lower lip and allow your baby to suck and lick the food. Later, place the spoon in his mouth when your baby accepts the food.

Porridge can be pureed or blended till 7 months of age

No need to blend after 7 months so your baby learns to chew food

Active Feeding

Practice active feeding and that means talking, singing, playing or reading to your child while he is eating. It is not a good idea to let the child graze, which means the child runs around while being fed.

What to add to the home cooked porridge

Rice, various vegetables, tauhoo and meats (chick, fish, beef)

The amount of chopped meat added is roughly about the size and thickness of your child's palm at each meal. A small amount of salt can be introduced only after 1 year.

Fruits: Soft mashed up fruits are given as snacks after 7 months. Fruit juices are not advisable as these contain only water and fruit sugar but no fibre.

Eggs : These are given after 1 year of age. Give the yolk first, then egg white

Breastfeeding and solid foods after 1 year of age

The child slowly decreases the amount of breastmilk taken and increasingly takes more of family foods. By 2 years, the child will be able to take most adult foods and usually weans himself off breastfeeding between 2-3 years of age.

Feeding of the Toddler 2- 4 years

The 2-4 year old is sometimes difficult to feed and may be picky about food. This is part of your child's development and he is showing independence and wants his way. This is the best time to teach him to feed himself with a spoon. You can also offer foods that he can pick up with his fingers (fingers food) like small pieces of cooked meat, fish, eggs, cooked vegetables, breads, biscuits and fruits. There are days when he may not eat any solid foods at all, except drink milk, but he will make up for it the next few days. Never force him to eat, or a mealtime will seem like a battle. Let him take his time to get used to adult food and he will love the savoury foods that you offer. Breastfed children have been found to take to vegetables and other foods very well as they are already used to these flavours in their mother's milk. Continue active feeding by engaging him through talking, singing, reading and playing while he is eating.