For unborn babies For newborn babies First solid foods After 6 months old At 8 months From about 12 months Nutrition facts Eating problems Back to About...

For unborn babies

• Stay strong and healthy as your body reserves are being used up by your developing baby.
• Be physically prepared for the rigours of labour.
• Build up reserves for better post-labour recovery.

This quality nutrition, in turn, passes onto your baby and helps her to have:

• Good development of her bones, muscles, tissues, brain and other organs.
• A strengthened immune system against infection after she is born.
• A healthier birth weight and a lower risk of premature delivery.

Nutrient: Iron
For mother: to replenish supply of red blood cells, and to accommodate increased blood volume.
For baby: to build up iron stores as they will start depleting 4 to 6 months after birth.
Sources: fortified cereals, lean meats, dried beans. Vitamin-C foods, such as oranges and guava, can help enhance iron absorption.

Nutrient: Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
For mother: to maintain flexibility of blood vessels, and to promote the ability to think and process information efficiently.
For baby: to promote further development of the brain and eyes.
Sources: 4 to 5 weekly servings of oily fish (salmon and mackerel), fish oil and flaxseed oil.

Nutrient: Protein
For mother: to promote placenta growth and blood supply.
For baby: to promote tissue growth and blood supply.
Sources: 3 good daily servings from tofu, beans, chicken, fish, meat or eggs.

Nutrient: Calcium
For mother: to preserve bone strenght.
For baby: to form bones.
Sources: 3 daily servings of high calcium milk.

Nutrient: Water
For mother: to accommodate increased blood volume.
For baby: to accommodate increased amniotic fluid.
Sources: 6-8 glasses daily to avoid taxing the kidneys.

Avoid these foods to prevent harming your developing baby:

• Food consisting of raw fish, half-boiled eggs and undercooked meat or poultry
• Salad vegetables and ulam that may not have been properly washed prior to serving
• Food prepared outside the home, especially uncooked hawker food, like rojak buah
• Foods that contain a lot of additives, such as colourings, flavourings and preservatives
• Preserved foods and cured meats
• Peanuts, especially if you or your spouse has a history of allergies
• Beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea and soft drinks, as they compete with the absorption of iron and certain vitamins
• Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame or saccharin, found in sugar-free products.

Source: Dutch Lady Malaysia

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For newborn babies

Feeding Tips

• Start breast feeding as soon as possible after giving birth. Your baby's sucking reflexes are strongest immediately after he's born
• In the beginning, you will be feeding whenever your baby is hungry. That’s about every 2 to 3 hours.
• Feed your baby from both breasts at one feeding. You will produce the most milk if your breasts are emptied during the feed.
• Avoid using a bottle in the first few weeks, it may discourage your baby from breastfeeding.
• Avoid dieting, drinking alcohol and smoking, especially while breastfeeding.
• Breast feeding should not hurt, so if you experience soreness, cracked skin, or inflammation ask your doctor about it.

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First solid foods

Your baby is ready for solid food when he or she is around 6 months old. Talk to your doctor about when to start. You can notice when your child is ready to on solid food when:

• Your baby’s weight gain has slowed down compared to previous weeks.
• Your baby doesn’t sleep through the night.
• Your baby is not satisfied with only breast milk and formula.
• Your baby is able to hold his head up and chewing movements have begun.

Feeding Tips

• Start with 1 teaspoon of cereal mixed with breast milk or formula once a day. Gradually increase to 3 teaspoons or until your baby is full.
• Mix the solids with breast milk or formula in the spoon, not in the bottle.
• Start with a thin mix and gradually thicken as your baby gets older.
• Do not add sugar to baby cereals.
• Introduce vegetables 2 to 3 weeks after you start giving him cereal.
• Introduce fruit 2 to 3 weeks after that.
• Try giving your baby the same taste of food a few times, even if he doesn’t like it.
• Wait 3 to 5 days before you introduce new food, this will give you time to recognise any allergies.
• If your baby closes her mouth, scowls, turn her head or cries, she has had enough to eat.

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After 6 months old

Remember that while you may have to try feeding a particular food on several occasions before your baby accepts it, it is important never to force your child to eat anything. Eating should be a positive experience, so if he rejects a food one day, simply put it away and make a mental note to try again in a week or so; in all likelihood you'll get a positive reception on a future try.

Feeding Tips

• Your child still needs 3 to 4 servings per day of breast milk or formula, but less than before.
• Your child will indicate more things, like reaching for a spoon or bowl when she's hungry, and pushing it away when she's full
• Add variety!
• Don’t worry too much about what your baby consumes on any particular day.

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At 8 months

Feeding Tips

• You can now encourage your baby to feed himself. He may not be good at it and things may get very messy, but be patient!
• If he needs to chew because of teething, give him a solid teething ring or biscuit.
• The variety of things he eats now, will affect his life-long eating habits.

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From about 12 months

Feeding Tips

• Your child should eat and drink a balance of products out of the 4 basic food groups.
• Continue to encourage you child to enjoy a variety of foods and tastes.
• Likes and dislikes can change quickly.
• Include your child at the table during mealtime
• Don’t serve spicy foods until your child is about 20 months old. Always start with small amounts and pay attention to an upset tummy after it.

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Nutrient facts

Carbohydrate
Good for: energy
Comes from: rice, potatoes, noodles, cereals, bread

Iron
Good for: mental development and healthy red blood cells
Comes from: meat, nuts, cereal

Iodine
Good for: energy use in the body
Comes from: fish (salted)

Magnesium
Good for: metabolism, cell growth
Comes from: cereal, legumes, fish

Proteins
Good for: building anti bodies
Comes from: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, nuts

Vitamin A
Good for: healthy skin, bones and teeth. Helps fight infections and maintain good night vision.
Comes from: dairy, green vegetables

Vitamin B1
Good for: growth, digestion, muscles, heart and a healthy nervous system.
Comes from: lean meat, cereal, legumes

Vitamin B2
Good for: high energy, skin and eyes
Comes from: milk, cheese, eggs, meat, green vegetables, bread

Vitamin B3
Good for: healthy nervous system, digestion and skin
Comes from: meat, fish, cereal

Vitamin B6
Good for: healthy nervous system
Comes from: potatoes, pork, bananas

Vitamin B12
Good for: producing red blood cells
Comes from: milk, eggs, cheese, meat

Vitamin C
Good for: bones, teeth and gums
Comes from: citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes

Vitamin D
Good for: bones and teeth of babies
Comes from: dairy, fish

Vitamin E
Good for: endurance
Comes from: dairy, cereal, nuts, fish

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Eating problems

Poor appetite
Don't worry. Babies have their own tastes and preferences. Don’t look at what your child eats in a particular day, but check it week by week. If it seems like something is wrong and you’re afraid your child is not getting the nutrition he needs, ask your doctor about it.

Rejects vegetables
Introduce vegetables first, then fruits. That way, your baby may not refuse vegetables in favor of sweeter fruits.

Dislikes new foods
Your child may need time to get used to the various textures, colors, and tastes of new food. And because young children crave consistency and familiarity, most of them won't try new foods until you've served them a few times.

Doesn't want to use spoon
This is normal as any foreign object is put in baby's mouth. He will get used to it very quickly; just show him how it’s done! Always feed cereal or baby food from a spoon, never from a bottle.

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