T o help your baby grow well and also have a good immune system, the food he receives plays an essential role.
Although he will feed exclusively on milk during the first few months, you will have to try little by little to vary his diet through compotes and purees. The combinations are multiple! You will have fun, believe me! The diversification of food begins, generally from 4 months.
However, for this, organization is essential in order to maximize your time and not spend hours in the kitchen every day.
First, we will see how we can balance baby's diet.
From a young age, try to provide your child with lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, mineral salts and water at each meal. Baby's hydration is also very important.
To quickly summarize, lipids are fats, carbohydrates are sugars: we have simple carbohydrates (very quickly assimilated by the body) and complex carbohydrates (commonly known as "slow sugar"). For your child (and even for you) favor complex carbohydrates. Proteins are a real source of energy that also helps maintain muscle mass. Finally, water, the primary source of hydration for your child, just like for adults, must be consumed throughout the day to avoid dehydration of your baby, which could be serious.
There are many foods to favor for baby's growth: the base of the base is obviously milk. The main source of calcium, it will participate in baby's growth as well as the proper development of his small bones. Calcium is included in many dairy products such as yogurts.
Then, it is possible to vary baby's diet from the 4th month if the latter is receptive enough: otherwise give him a little time. Simply, from 6 months, milk will no longer be enough for baby.
To start varying your diet, nothing beats purees: carrots, broccoli, zucchini, sweet potatoes or even potatoes will provide your baby with good nutrients, plus, don't be afraid to combine this with blended ham which will provide your baby with protein! Also opt for fruit compotes! If your diet gradually becomes varied, water must remain your main source of hydration.
In addition, from 6 months, baby's needs increase, requiring ever-increasing needs as well as the incorporation of different families of new foods such as starchy foods.
However, diversifying food involves additional organization for both mom and dad: you have to find time to prepare your meals in advance if you decide to opt for homemade food, which is obviously better. However, don't stress if you have to buy ready-made jars, that's not a problem.
In terms of organization, it is best to try to prepare your purees and compotes in bulk: try to have enough for the week and thus give yourself a break!
To do this, you can invest in equipment that will make your task easier: essentials such as freezer bags for fruit and vegetables, storage pots or even a steamer that will be used just as much for baby's meals as for you!
Also, just like for your daily life, try to establish baby meal plans in advance. Even better, try to combine them with yours, you will save precious time! Also, don't forget to count on your best friend: the freezer which will allow you to store your preparations, so don't hesitate to think big and save time!
The organization will come with time, of course, but you will relieve yourself of a potential source of stress. Baby will have the chance to taste dishes prepared by mom or dad! His tastes will develop little by little and you will marvel at seeing your child discover new flavors!