How and when to introduce dinner to babies
When the baby stops breastfeeding exclusively, it is time to start offering other foods. It is usually begun to offer complementary food at the time of lunch and snack, and, without there being a scientific reason to back it, postpone dinner for when the babies are older. So, how and when to introdu
When the baby stops breastfeeding exclusively, it is time to start offering other foods. It is usually begun to offer complementary food at the time of lunch and snack, and, without there being a scientific reason to back it, postpone dinner for when the babies are older. So, how and when to introduce dinner in babies? When to introduce dinner in babies
Although scientifically there is no specific date for the introduction of dinner in the baby's diet, and this can be offered after 6 months, the truth is that, due to the usual meal times In Spain and other Latin countries, it is very difficult for a small baby not to be tired at dinner time, making it difficult for him to become interested in food.
In other European countries, however, it is much more common to offer food at dinner than at lunch time, since it is what is considered the main food, the most forceful, and in which the whole family meets. the table, of course, which takes place around 5 in the afternoon.
How to introduce dinner in babies
Focusing on our usual schedules,
baby dinner can be introduced, without forcing, when he is able to be active enough to show interest for what others are doing. It is no use doing it when the baby is tired and sleepy, we will only be able to have a hard time and make him associate the food with an unpleasant moment. In addition, and since the baby will do little or no exercise after dinner, it should be light and easily digested. For example, it is not convenient to offer two dishes, unless the first one is very light, like a puree or soup. On the other hand, meats are heavier to digest than fish, and fried eggs more than tortillas.
With regard to the amount,
it will be the baby who decides how much he wants to eat, and although there will probably not be two equal days, we must respect his rhythm. It is very likely that, if two dishes are offered, the baby only shows interest in the first one, so it may be more appropriate to place all the food you want to offer in a single dish, all together so you can choose and try. At the beginning, and because the baby will not eat too much at dinner, it is advisable to continue offering a bottle of milk before going to bed.
If breastfeeding is continued, of course it should also be offered on demand. When babies are older and no longer bottle, offering a glass of milk before bed or with dinner itself, can help us ensure you consume enough calcium for your bones and start the routine before sleep, since milk, and more if it is warm, promotes relaxation.
