Breast milk should be given to the newborn within one hour as soon as possible after birth. Then until full 6 months of age (180 days) the baby will drink only breast milk, no other food or water is needed. After six months will start feeding other than breast milk. Many people are confused about how to do this. Which foods will be easily digested, which can cause allergies, stomach upset — these are the fears.

* From the 181st day I want to give the baby breast milk as well as complementary food. Because at this time extra calories are needed, which is not just filled with milk. At this age some important stages of the child’s development are completed, such as being able to sit up, holding the head straight.

* After the baby weighs twice as much as its birth weight (about 13 pounds), its ability to consume solid foods is created. He is interested in taking food every three hours.

* Many people start with fruit juice. Vitamin C in juice helps in absorption of iron. It can also be easily fed with a spoon. But it is better not to give extra juice (not more than 2 ounces). There is a risk of diarrhea. It can be given slowly up to 4 ounces.

* Early food can be started with khichuri, banana, carrot, fruits and vegetables. Eggs, milk, wheat foods are better to start after a few days.

* It is better not to have one or two new foods in the baby’s daily food menu in a week; It shows what food he can tolerate or not.

* At the age of six to nine months, the child can be given the second phase of food. Such as mixed grain food, pulses-rice, vegetables, fruits, fish, meat.

* Cow’s milk can be given from the age of 12 months, and it is better if it contains vitamin D.

Professor Pranab Kumar Chowdhury, Head of Department, Department of Child Health, Chittagong Medical College Hospital
Formula – the Prothom-alo