Good food habits in infancy and childhood will lead in later life to a liking for a wide variety of foods and the willingness to accept change. Parents have a wonderful opportunity as well as a tremendous responsibility for the development of good food habits in the young infant.
1. Hold the young baby while he receives his formula to provide the feelings of satisfaction, security, and warmth.
2. Regulate the feeding schedule to the baby, not to the clock.
3. Introduce only one new food at a time.
4. Give new foods at the beginning of the meal when the baby is hungry.
5. Serve only small portions of a new food; a taste is enough.
6. Don’t show your dislike of a food by the expression on your face or by refusing to eat the food yourself.
7. Babies, like adults, are hungrier at some times than others. Don’t expect them to finish every bottle or everything at every meal.
8. Expect that the baby will feel his food and be messy. Don’t scold him for spilling accidents.
9. Use a cup that does not tip easily, a deep bowl with rounded edges, and a spoon that can be managed by the baby. Provide safe and comfortable seating.
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GENERAL HEALTH
