Feeding your child well: the advice of Dr. Florence Solsona, nutritionist
What if my child does not finish his bottles?
A baby in good health regulates himself only a few weeks after his birth. If he does not finish his bottles, he does not need them. If we force him to finish his bottles we can deregulate him.
What if my child still claims?
Above all, do not restrict it. If he wants more milk, he needs it. Be careful though to check the real reason for his crying. Yes baby crying, it is not necessarily because he is hungry (he can feel pain, be tired, have his dirty diaper). Bottle feeding should not be an answer to everything. One must avoid compensating for anxiousness with a bottle because in his adult life, he will be able to respond to negative feelings through food.
What happens if we go too early to diversify food?
The main risk is the appearance of deficiencies by reducing the amount of milk consumed daily by the baby. Moreover, until the age of 4 to 6 months, your baby has a protrusion reflex, that is to say it rejects, with the help of his tongue, any food that is not liquid. He can only drink and not eat. This reflex eventually disappears with age.
Tips for introducing new foods?
Do not rush ! You must adapt to the rhythm of the child. If he refuses, do not force him, propose him again 2-3 days later. He will eventually accept at one time or another. Give it time to adapt to the texture, temperature, taste.
What if my child refuses to eat what he ate before?
77% of children go through a phase of neophobia (fear of what is new) between 18 months and 2 years. No worries, it's a normal phase of development. There is a theory that the child is able to move away from his mother but is not able to integrate the taboos. To protect himself, he refuses what is new.
How to react ?
You must familiarize him with the food and reassure him. The food you offer him on the plate must be known to him. For this you can buy it or pick it and cook it with it. If you eat the same dish as him, your child will be more confident.
What if my child gets too much weight?
You need to see your doctor to check your child's weight chart and give you advice on what to do. Do not put your child on a diet. Opt instead for a quiet meal at the table and family. Your child must eat slowly, increase his sports activity, avoid boredom and avoid having sweets permanently under the eyes.
Interview published on April 18, 2013 on cafédesmamans.com
My child eats badly! From Florence Solsona, Editions Larousse
