Baby Feeding Problems

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Mothers may face some baby feeding problems that could leave them stressed and frustrated. At times it can be stressful for babies as well. Mothers worry a lot especially when their babies experience gagging while they are feeding them. Sometimes mothers do get angry, frustrated and would not know how to deal with their babies who simply refuse to eat lumpy foods. However, some understanding on how babies eat, chew their food and how their gag reflex works will help mothers deal with baby feeding problems.

Introducing babies to solid foods may not be that easy but it can be less stressful if mothers know more about it to lessen the incidence of baby feeding problems. Mothers may observe that their babies simply push the spoon out from their mouth especially when they start to feed them. They need to understand that this is part of the natural instinct of babies as they are equipped with nature with a reflex mechanism that keeps the spoon and the food out.

However, mothers have to be patient as their babies will overcome this natural reflex mechanism at about six months. Mothers may take this also as a signal if their babies are ready to start eating solid foods or not. In such cases, mothers should not force their babies to start eating in order for them to avoid baby feeding problems. Their babies may still need a little more time so mothers can try introducing them to solid foods after another week or two.

Although gagging is considered as a natural defense mechanism for babies, it can be one of the baby feeding problems that mothers have to deal with. Gagging can be scary to first time mothers who would not know what to do. Mothers should start introducing solid foods slowly. They may prepare meals that are easier for their babies to deal with such as pureed fruits. Mothers should be patient until their babies learn to swallow and enjoy the foods that they give to them.
Mothers may also experience some baby feeding problems when they start giving lumpy textured foods to their babies. Babies may display gagging and at times vomiting when they are forced to eat something that they do not like. Forcing them would only make it more difficult for both mothers and babies to deal with the problem. Mothers should learn how to make baby feeding time as pleasant as possible.

Introducing more textured foods to babies may not be easy for mothers as they would always encounter baby feeding problems. Mothers will have to start with foods that may be more liquid at the start and then gradually increase the consistency until their babies accept lumpier or more textured food. Babies will then have to learn how to chew their food at the right time. There may be no right formula on how mothers can effectively teach their babies to like and to eat solid foods but mothers should be wise and patient to learn how they can make them eat and avoid baby feeding problems.

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Night Feeding and Putting the Babies Back to Sleep

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As the baby comes home, mothers will have to spend some time for night feeding. This situation may not be for a long duration of time. However, this is needed for babies to survive their first few months. Aside from night feeding, mothers also need to know how they would be putting the babies back to sleep. Mothers need to understand that newborn babies do not have a definite schedule of feeding especially on the first months. It all depends on their babies. They should be guided naturally by their babies’ needs.

Night feeding may also be more frequent during the first months. Their babies’ stomachs are so small that they would not be able to take in so much. After an hour or two, they need to be fed again. As they grow, feeding would be less frequent. They will then be able to take in more and they will last longer before the next feeding is needed. Mothers will feel and notice some signs that their babies are hungry. Mothers should not wait until their babies start crying before feeding them. After the night feeding, putting the babies back to sleep may be something difficult to do for first time mothers.

However, mothers should know that when they go to their babies’ rooms for night feeding, they should not disturb them so much. Babies may learn to put themselves back to sleep without so much fuss. Mothers do not need to switch on the light when they feed their babies. They should not play or talk to them. Putting the babies back to sleep may not be that difficult if babies learn that they will have to go back to sleep after the night feeding. Mothers may do the same with changing diapers in the night. They need not disturb their babies so much so it would be easier for both of them to go back to sleep.

Mothers do not need to worry as night feeding will be gone after a few months. However, they will have to be patient so that their babies will not starve in the night. Babies need enough fuel for their bodies even in the night so they need to be fed. Putting the babies back to sleep will not be too much of a problem especially when babies get used to it. There may be times when mothers need to reassure their babies. They need to feel that they are always there before they get hungry. Sometimes mothers may rock or pat them back to sleep but this should not be done so often. Babies will also learn not to disturb others if their needs are met and satisfied.

 

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Baby Feeding Requirements

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Baby feeding requirements may depend on different factors. Mothers should consider the size and the weight of their babies. They also have to note how fast their babies are growing. Nursing mothers should also have to consider the physical activities of their babies. They should also take not of the energy that babies need for their body metabolic functions. Nursing mothers need to know that their babies require higher caloric intake especially during the first year.  The variations in size as well as in weight may account for the different levels of calories that their bodies require.  Nursing mothers who are providing breast milk for their babies are able to give the right  caloric intake that their babies need. Breastfeeding mothers may be able to supply the milk for their babies up to six months.

It is imperative to know exactly that baby feeding requirements are being met. Nursing mothers may monitor the growth of their babies through plotting. This will provide the information for them to know that they are giving the right caloric intake for their babies. These calories in their breast milk contain proteins, fats as well as carbohydrates. Babies need sufficient protein for their growth  and developments. They also require carbohydrates to support their energy requirements. Babies also have to get the essential fatty acids that their bodies need. Babies get the majority of their body water requirements from breast milk or from infant formula.

Baby feeding requirements can be provided  and met by nursing mothers though breastfeeding.  Nursing mothers  provide all of the caloric requirements that their babies need. They also give them a chance to have a stronger body and immune system. This will decrease the occurrence of illnesses and infections. Nursing mothers can also if they breastfeed practice thriftiness when they breastfeed their babies. Although breastfeeding is encouraged, there some conditions when mothers cannot do so. However, mothers should select the most suitable infant formula. It should contain all the necessary macro and micro nutrients that their babies need.

Baby feeding requirements may be different from one baby to another. However, most newborn babies may need to be fed up to about 12 times daily. As babies continue to grow and to gain more weight, they will need more milk. However, the frequency of feeding time may be lessened over time. Nursing mothers may expect to change their babies diapers  about 6 times a day. This may be expected if they are getting the right quantity of milk when they are fed. Babies will also appear to be contented if they are satisfied after every feeding. Nursing mothers will also be able to feel and see if their babies are happy after they have fed them. There may be no specific measurements when it comes to feeding requirements for babies as it may depend on several factors.

 

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