Your All-in-One Baby Feeding Guide from Breastfeeding to Transitioning to Solid Foods

Learning how to feed your baby can be challenging, especially for first-time parents. During their first year, babies start from breast milk or formula before gradually transitioning to solid foods. This can feel like a delicate and tricky process.

This guide aims to support mums and dads through this journey so that they know what to expect and is best for their babies. We’ll walk you through breastfeeding and introducing solid foods and even get into the intricacies of meal planning and nutrition. Taking you from infancy to toddlerhood, this all-in-one feeding guide also offers recommendations for comfortable nursing and fuss-free feeding. 

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is one of two methods of feeding your newborn. It can be offered straight from the breast, or expressed and fed to the infant through a bottle. Experts recommend feeding infants for at least 6 months, although mothers can choose to continue breastfeeding their babies until they are 2 years old.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

mothercare’s Breastfeeding Shawl, Grey Jersey makes breastfeeding on-the-go more comfortable and personal

There are many benefits to breastfeeding. Breast milk is known as the best source of infant nutrition, and has been recognised to protect babies against various short- and long-term illnesses, including asthma, eczema, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Moreover, breast milk is more digestible than formula, making diarrhoea and constipation less likely. Breast milk also contains antibodies that reinforce babies’ immune systems, in addition to helping foster intimacy between mother and child.

Getting Started with Breastfeeding

Clevemama’s Clevacushion is generously cushioned to provide support and security for quick and easy latching

The first few feeding sessions can prove the most challenging for new mothers. Initiating successful breastfeeding requires proper latching techniques, such as creating a comfortable environment and letting the newborn lead. This means bringing the child to the breast and letting the latching occur naturally rather than leaning forward to force an attachment. It helps to hold the baby skin-to-skin with their nose aligned with your nipple, which encourages proper positioning and good attachment. 

Common Challenges and Solutions

With various settings and a quiet motor, Tommee Tippee’s Made For Me Double Wearable Electric Breast Pump offers superior milk management with a gentle, discreet touch

Sore and sensitive nipples are normal in the first weeks of breastfeeding. However, this rough start is also one of the main reasons mothers abandon breastfeeding. Ensuring correct breastfeeding latch or switching to breast pumps can alleviate discomfort and support continued breastfeeding. It is crucial to express milk regularly to encourage milk production and prevent engorgement. Swollen and tender breasts from milk oversupply or clogged milk ducts can result in an inflammation of the breast tissue (mastitis), which causes radiating breast pain and redness. 

Introducing Solid Foods

Most babies typically show signs of readiness to start solid foods around 6 months of age. During this period, they are usually able to sit upright in a chair with minimal support, demonstrate interest in adult foods, and bring their hands or toys to their mouth. Around this time, they also begin to lose the reflex of pushing food out of their mouths with their tongues. 

Feeding and Weaning

The Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair (Classic Collection) brings your child to the table during mealtimes, providing optimal positioning whether self-feeding or being fed.

The gradual process of transitioning your child from a milk-only diet to a mixed one is called weaning. As you introduce them to different age-appropriate foods, they begin to learn how to swallow, with milk feeding remaining their primary source of nutrition. This is also known as complementary feeding. The introduction to solid foods starts off with small amounts, such as 1 to 2 teaspoons, spread over 2 to 3 times a day. These portion sizes can be increased as your child grows and gets used to eating solid foods. One popular approach to introducing solid foods is baby-led weaning, which lets babies feed themselves with age-appropriate finger foods. This method skips purees and spoon-feeding entirely, fostering your baby’s independence from the get-go.

First Foods to Introduce

This Tommee Tippee First Tastes Weaning Starter Kit keeps mealtime messes to a minimum with its easy-scoop feeding bowls, super soft spoons and sippy cups that can be tilted any which way.

Prioritise nutrition and ease of consumption when choosing new foods for your child. Experts generally recommend starting with single-ingredient meals to easily identify any potential food allergies. Iron-fortified rice cereals are a popular choice for weaning. Moreover, pureed fruits and vegetables like banana, pumpkin and carrot are safe, tasty and nourishing selections to introduce solids. 

Progressing with Solid Foods

A Skip Hop Spark Insulated Stainless Steel Food Jar that keeps food at its hottest or coldest is a lifesaver on expeditions beyond the house.

As your child begins solids, start with runny textures and simple ingredients, slowly progressing to more textured and varied foods. Over time, incorporate a mix of food groups including whole grains, proteins, fruits and vegetables. Spacing out new foods can help detect potential allergies. Be cautious of common allergens like milk, eggs, fish, nuts and wheat.

Meal Planning and Nutrition

It is our responsibility as parents to make sure our children receive all the nutrition they need to grow and stay healthy. During the first 6 months of life, infants depend on breast milk and formula for development. As they move on to solids, vitamins and minerals must come from a variety of sources. Parents, who play a key role in feeding should ensure their children’s diets provide optimal nutrition for growth and development. 

Balanced Diet for Babies

Clevamama’s Silicone Safe Feeder makes snacktime easy peasy

Infants and toddlers require essential nutrients that are exclusively obtained from foods. Healthcare professionals stress the importance of providing iron-rich foods to babies due to their critical need for iron during early development. Poultry and eggs are accessible sources of iron. A balanced and healthy diet includes foods from all food groups: fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates and proteins. According to the Centers for Disease Control, children should have 3 meals a day and 2 to 3 snacks daily.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Baby Food

Keep your baby dry and clean from silly spillages and stains with this adorable Snapkis Oh-So-Soft Silicon Bib (Lion)

Both homemade and store-bought baby foods offer viable options for feeding your baby. Homemade foods provide assurance of nutritional content, absence of additives, and are often lower cost. On the other hand, store-bought foods are convenient and travel-friendly. The choice between homemade and store-bought baby foods ultimately depends on the parents’ preferences, though many parents opt for a combination of both.

Dealing with Picky Eating

Encourage baby to have a sip or two while eating with mothercare’s Non-Spill Cup With Handle (190 ml, 4M+) to promote hydration and better digestion

What many parents overlook is the challenge of handling fussy eating, which is distinct from lack of hunger or appetite. During a child’s formative years, encouraging them to explore new foods while respecting their preferences is beneficial. Involving kids in food preparation can spark their interest in trying their own creations. If your child finds a particular food unpalatable, it’s important not to force-feed them but instead teach them how to calmly and politely handle it, such as offering it to others while still enjoying the meal. Setting a good example at the dinner table, such as by being adventurous eaters, can also help babies broaden their palate and become less selective.

Reach Out to Our Digital Nursery Advisors for Feeding Support 

Feeding your baby from breastfeeding to introducing solid foods is a journey filled with learning and growth, both for your child and for you as a parent. We hope that this guide has equipped you with the knowledge to navigate each stage feeling more prepared. Remember, every child is unique, so trust your instincts and enjoy this special time of nourishment and discovery with your little one. 

If you need specialised assistance with feeding your baby, feel free to contact our Digital Nursery Advisors at Mothercare Malaysia. Our team of baby experts is always on standby to provide expert guidance on supporting your child through each developmental milestone. Additionally, we offer in-store help for babycare essentials across our locations nationwide — including our experience stores at Suria KLCC and Tropicana Gardens Mall. 

Learn more about Mothercare Malaysia here.