Baby Nutrition
Nutrition is important at every stage of life. Nutrition during infancy, one of the fastest growing stages, is of particular importance. The period from birth to the end of the age of two is the most critical period for a healthy start to life in which growth and development is the fastest in children. Growth retardation, some vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and diarrhea, which are one of the most important causes of death in childhood diseases, are most common in children aged 0-2 years. It is very difficult to correct the growth retardation that occurs in this period when growth is the fastest, after the age of two. For this reason, it is necessary to gain the habits of feeding infants and young children in this period and to raise awareness of mothers on this issue.
Breast Milk
The future of a society is continuous with the existence of healthy individuals. In order for children to be born and raised in a healthy manner, mothers should be made conscious about fetal development, milk production, increasing their need for nutrients and, accordingly, adequate and balanced nutrition and protection of their health during pregnancy and lactation.
The most suitable food for a newborn baby is breast milk. Breast milk is an irreplaceable food for the baby to be healthy, meet all nutritional requirements, be easily digested and protect against infections.
ONLY breast milk should be given to a newborn baby in the FIRST 6 MONTHS.
Complementary Foods Recommended to be Given by Month
0th month
Breast Milk ONLY (The baby’s growth should be monitored by months)
6 months
continue breastfeeding
Yogurt
Fruit juice, vegetable juice and puree
Grape molasses
Sugar-free pudding (milk + rice flour)
Egg yolk (1/4 ratio)
Cow’s milk can be used in small quantities in the preparation of foods.
7 months
continue breastfeeding
Yogurt
Fruit juice, vegetable juice
Grape molasses
Rice flour, rice
Egg yolk (whole)
Meat (fish, chicken and red meat)
vegetable oils
Vegetable puree or vegetable soup
8th month
continue breastfeeding
Yogurt
Fruit juice, vegetable juice
Grape molasses
Meat (fish, chicken and red meat), lamb or chicken liver
vegetable oils
Well mashed home cooking (with ground beef and vegetables)
Whole eggs or pasteurized cheese
Cereals – red lentils, beans, chickpea pastes