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.