What should you do if your 10-month old only wants milk?
While breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for your growing baby, if your child is older than six months, it’s important to include good-quality, nutritious foods into their diet too.
We spoke to registered dietitian and ADSA (Association for Dietetics in SA) spokesperson, Cath Day, for her top tips to ensure your child is eating a balanced healthy diet, with the right amount of breastmilk.
Space feeds out to ensure your child eats and drinks enough
“If your little one is only showing interest in breastmilk, ensure there’s enough time between feeds to build up a healthy appetite”, says Cath. However, you should do this slowly to avoid any anxiety for you and your baby. “If feeds are generally three hours apart, extend the time slightly to three and a half hours, then try four hours and see how your child responds and adapts,” explains Cath.
Follow your baby’s cues and be responsive to their needs. Consider that they may often just need a cuddle and some reassurance more so than the breastmilk itself.
However, it’s wise to stick to breastmilk first thing in the morning and just before bed as it’s the perfect nutritious “snack” at this age, and includes the right balance of nutrients, plus carbohydrates, fats and protein.
Encourage finger foods, plus breastmilk
“By the time your child reaches 10 months, it’s important to introduce plenty of finger foods in addition to breastmilk, as these foods aid development”, says Cath.
“Eating a variety of finger foods also helps to improve hand-eye-mouth coordination, plus it encourages your child to accept a variety of flavours and wider range of textures, which helps to reduce fussiness later. While commercial baby foods may be more convenient, they’re often not hugely varied in texture, which isn’t ideal,” she adds.
Watch out for foods that are choking hazards like whole grapes or baby tomatoes. Rather cut them into halves or quarters. If your child is still reluctant to eat meals, try to sit together as a family at mealtimes. “This simple act encourages more openness and acceptance of food as children tend to mimic their parents own food choices and habits”, explains Cath.
An example of a healthy daily eating routine includes:
First thing (if really early)
Breastmilk
Breakfast
High fibre cereal (no added sugar), e.g. oats with breastmilk
Snack
Fresh fruit
Wholewheat bread and peanut butter
Lunch
Healthy carb (i.e. wholewheat pasta, basmati/ brown rice, potato etc.)
Protein (i.e. shredded chicken/ meat cubes, cream cheese)
Healthy fats (i.e. avocado, hummus etc.)
Vegetables (i.e. broccoli, cauliflower, baby marrow, butternut etc.)
Snack
Fruit
Yoghurt
Dinner
Healthy carb (i.e. wholewheat pasta, basmati/ brown rice, potato etc.)
Protein (i.e. shredded chicken/ meat cubes)
Healthy fats (i.e. avocado, hummus etc.)
Vegetables (i.e. broccoli, cauliflower, baby marrow, butternut etc.)
Before bed
Breastmilk
Number of breastmilk feeds per day
2-3
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