Babies
To use formula you first need to know a bit about it and then decide what type to use. Most formula milk is made from cow's
milk and is designed to be as much like breast milk as possible. Formula contains elements essential to your baby's health
such as fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals. Some also have long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs) added
which are believed to boost brain development. In today's market there is an enormous array of formulas to choose from and
which you choose depend on you and your babies personal preference, each formula is slightly different and as a result tastes
slightly different. Formula comes in powder form, usually big tins or packets, or now in individual cartons, ready made, these
are great for emergencies or if you are going somewhere where you can't get water, but if you can it is far cheaper to take
a container which is made to carry small amounts of pre measured formula, in powder form and then you can just add the water,
you can get these containers online or in baby stores. Formula tends to come in two stages, the first stage, made from whey,
is most like breast milk, so best for newborns and young babies. Second stage milk, casing-based, is designed for hungrier
babies and takes longer to digest. Although suitable from birth the protein isn't as close to breast milk as that found in
first stage milk. If you choose to at a later stage you can also give follow on milk, this is given to babies six months and
up it contains extra iron, which your baby will need by this age. Iron can be given in other ways, the choice is yours. It
seems to be more and more common that babies are having problems with cow's milk product, if this is the case with yours there
is a Soya based formula which maybe tolerated better. But before you change to it is best to speak to a medical professional
as it is high in sugar and is not suitable for all babies. There are other alternatives that they can suggest that can be
given on prescription. There are many deals to be had online for buying formula so once you have made your decision which
to use check it out to see if you can get it at a better price.
Toddlers
Some times it can be difficult to get your toddler to eat but it is a fact that after the first birthday, your toddler’s
growth slows down so they needs less food. Their appetite and the amounts of food eaten will vary from meal to meal and from
day to day. As a guide a toddlers aged 1 to 2 years can eat only about 1/4 to 1/2 of an adult portion. It’s better to
offer small servings and let your child ask for more. Remember that appetite can vary a lot. Your child may appear to eat
well at one meal and eat refuse at the next. Don’t make an issue of it. Children are good judges of the amounts of food
they need. Try to bear in mind that all you can do is offer health food you can not force them to eat. It a good idea to give
two to three snacks during the day, along with their meals as they only has small stomachs and can not eat a lot a one time
. Milk and fruit juice are good snack choices, but these foods are naturally sweet and should not be served too often throughout
the day. If your child drinks too much, they may not want to eat solid foods. If they refuse to eat respect your child’s
wishes, even if they have eaten nothing. They will eventually eat they won’t let themselves go hungry it’s not
a rebellion they are more than likely just not hungry. Take the food away after a reasonable amount of time or attempts at
feeding them. It is good not that it is an issue, as paying attention to not eating reinforces the behaviour of not eating.
Their food likes and dislikes will change over time. A food refused today may be eaten next week. It is thought to take up
to 10 tries for your child to actually accept a food. If you wish to introduce a new food try to serve it with one they already
know and like, try not to force them if they refuse just try again at another time. It is quite common for a toddler to only
eat one type of food try not to make an issue of it and try to add other foods to the one they like they will come round it
just takes time. Try to make sure each days meals are balanced so that they get a health mix of fruit, veg, meat, fish and
dairy. It is better to get into a routine and feed a toddler up at the table, if possible a quiet room i.e. no telly, as they
are very easily distracted and a telly tubby is much more interesting than a meal, its good to eat with them as they will
learn from watching you. We have provided a list of some simple meals that are quick and easy to make, some of the things you can make together which is great fun and a good learning opportunity.
