As a new parent, you want to ensure your little one gets the best nutrition possible. However, despite your best efforts, you may encounter some common infant nutrition challenges along the way. Here are some tips to help you manage these challenges and ensure your baby gets the nutrients it needs to grow and thrive.
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Challenge 1: Refusal to Eat
It’s not uncommon for babies to refuse to eat at some point, whether due to teething, illness, or just being picky. Breastfeeding mothers should feed babies on demand. If babies show no interest in food, consider one of the following reasons:
- health disorder (a running temperature, teething, gasses, etc.)
- wrong feeding technique
- physiological problems like short frenulum of the tongue
In this case, you should contact your pediatrician or a lactation specialist.
If you don’t breastfeed, organic baby food is the best solution. It’s made without artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives and packed with high-quality and nutrient-dense ingredients.
Challenge 2: Digestive Issues
Digestive issues like constipation, gas, and colic can be expected in infants. To help alleviate these issues, try adjusting your diet. For example, avoiding foods that are known to cause gas, such as beans and broccoli, can help prevent bloating in newborns.
European baby formula is also an option to consider. Many European formulas are made with high-quality ingredients and are free from the artificial additives that are often found in American formulas. European companies make formulas for sensitive tummies that are easy to digest and avoid meteorism. Moreover, there are 1+ and 2+ stages for kids who are not ready to eat solid foods as a main course after 12 months.
Challenge 3: Allergies
Food allergies can be a real concern for parents, especially if they have a family history of allergies. If you suspect your baby has a food allergy, it’s important to talk to your health providers. They may recommend allergy testing or an elimination diet to determine which foods are causing the reaction. Another option is to choose hypoallergenic baby formula made of goat milk or vegan formula that goes without animal-derived ingredients.
Challenge 4: Iron and Vitamin D3 Deficiency
Iron and vitamin D3 are essential for a baby’s growth and development, but it can be difficult to get enough of these nutrients from breast milk or formula alone. To ensure that your baby is getting enough iron and vitamin D3, you should consult your pediatrician. They may consider using these supplements in the form of drops that you can give directly or add to baby formula or breast milk.
Challenge 5: Selection of Infant Formula
The market is full of baby foods, but you should make the right choice when buying infant formula. The key selection criteria must be:
- brand reputation
- age appropriateness
- availability of the required nutrients
- quality
The chosen brand must have governmental and FDA or EFSA approval along with certification about formula safety. The enlisted ingredients must be natural and in the required proportions. Moreover, the chosen formula must exclude sugar, salt, and artificial sweeteners, stabilizers, or taste enhancers. Consequently, the best alternative to breast milk is organic baby formula.
Conclusion on infant nutrition
Managing infant nutrition challenges can be a daunting task, but with a little patience and persistence, you can ensure that your baby is getting the nutrients it needs to grow and thrive. Consider introducing organic baby food and European baby formula into your baby’s diet for high-quality, nutrient-dense options. Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s nutrition or if you suspect that they may have a food allergy.
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