EXCLUSIV

The signs that show the baby is ready for diversification. Dr. Ioana Stavrositu: "As early as 4 months, they show interest, but it's often misinterpreted as cravings!" / PHOTO: freepik.com @marinakarpenko82

Loredana Iriciuc, the host of the show 'Părinți Prezenți' and editor-in-chief of ParintisiPitici.ro, posed a relevant question in the latest episode: "Does the child need to sit independently, unsupported, before we can start diversification?"

Dr. Ioana Stavrositu, a specialist in endocrinology and nutrition expert, provides a clear perspective: "Ideally, YES! However, around 90% of babies, at around six months when diversification generally begins, can sit unsupported. Of course, there are exceptions. For instance, if a baby was born prematurely or has very weak muscle development or a syndrome causing very weak muscle tone and can only sit unsupported at 10 months, we won't start diversification at 10 months."

The doctor emphasizes the importance of the correct position of the child during feeding.

"But, in principle, we prefer them to already maintain this position independently, to reduce the risk of choking.

By the way, one thing I would draw attention to is that the position should be upright, not reclined. Regarding chairs that tilt at the table, we DON'T need them! We don't sleep at the table, and the risk of choking is significantly higher when the position is not maintained vertically", Dr. Stavrositu further stated on Părinți Prezenți, a show by ParintisiPitici.ro.

Is the introduction to solid foods approaching? What should you buy exactly to start this stage? Dr. Ioana Stavrositu: "We need less than we think!"

Dr. Ioana Stavrositu: "This somehow shows us that they are ready!"

PHOTO: freepik.com @komok-vm

Before deciding to start diversifying your baby's diet, it's important to pay attention to signs indicating their readiness for this important step.

"In principle, as early as around four months of age, the child shows interest in what's happening at the table, in food, reaches out for them, imitates chewing, the chewing movements of their caregivers, parents, and those around them. Unfortunately, this is often misinterpreted as craving, but in fact, they are simply imitating chewing movements, salivating during this time, which doesn't mean they're craving. So, we don't offer food for four months, but they start showing interest.

The same goes for attempting to grasp food from the parent's hand. Even here, it doesn't mean they're ready, that we should start right away because at 4-5-6 months when teething begins, gums may still hurt, so they may reach out and take anything.

But this somehow shows us that they are ready to make this movement, to grasp the food and bring it to their mouth", Dr. Ioana Stavrositu further explained.

Dr. Stavrositu: "Until around six months, the iron needs from birth can be met"

PHOTO: freepik.com @ShevtsovaYuliya

Questions about the right time to introduce solid foods into babies' diets are always in the spotlight. Loredana Iriciuc, the host of Părinți Prezenți, made a decisive point: "You mentioned four months, and I remember my grandma used to say, 'Look, he wants it,' because I gave my children semolina with milk at four months and they were fine. So why this age of six months?"

Dr. Ioana Stavrositu provided important clarifications:

"Basically, by then the child can maintain a sitting position. At that point, the maturation of the digestive system is considered to be at a stage where it can support the transition to solid foods, from a milk-based diet.

And because until around six months, the iron needs from birth can be met, which was transferred from mother to child during pregnancy. This store is somewhat sufficient until around six months of age when a deficiency begins to appear, and then we need to supplement with foods, especially those rich in iron.

By the way, carrots, I know, are shocking, but they do not contain iron. So, foods rich in iron, such as meat, eggs, a varied diet overall to provide the nutritional intake needed for a child's continued development."

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