CromAlinWeb

Between conception and birth, and birth and twelve months of age, babies are at the most critical stages in their lives. Every little thing can seem to matter at this point, from the formula and food they ingest to the things they see to the people they are around. Of course, parents want the best for their babies at all times, and unfortunately it takes more than tender loving care to sustain a growing infant. Fortunately there are things that parents can do to take an active part in the mental and physical well-being of their child. Here are a few self-improvement tips for helping your babies grow healthier

1. The Breast Really is Best
Studies have been done that track the development of children from conception to college years. This study came up with many different conclusions but findings have actually shown that kids who were breastfed in their infant stages performed better in life as a whole. These kids performed better in school, had better attitudes toward responsibility and authority, adjusted better to adolescence and changes in life and were more well-adjusted human beings in general. Breastfeeding almost exclusively for the first six months and introducing healthy, solid foods after the first half of their first year is the best way to transition from milk to food for babies as well.

2. Speaking of Solid Food–Make it Count
By about six months of age, babies have usually begun to realize that people food is always better; it tastes better and smells a whole lot better too. By this time babies have begun to develop teeth and if they express a curiosity about the eating habits of parents that is the perfect time to start introducing solid food into a baby’s diet. Many parents feed their child the complete wrong thing when it comes to solid food, teaching their child poor eating habits from the moment they first realize they had a real appetite. French fries, potato chips, donuts, and bread are not the kind of solid food that is going to help a child grow and thrive properly. Imagine if a child’s first real snacks were things like tasty soft fruit and vegetables and what their heating habits would turn into as adults. Starting out with solid infant cereal and moving up into thicker foods like mashed potatoes, pureed meats and things they can feed themselves like Cheerios or Corn Flakes.

3. Remember–YOU are your child’s first EVERYTHING
All of the health and nutrition in the world can’t make a happy-well adjusted child without rounding out the picture. Remember that the first time your child sees anything happen, the parents are probably the ones doing it or are somehow involved in it. The first time a baby sees an argument, it is probably involving one (or both) of its parents; consider the type of example that you want to set for your child. Bonding with your child on an emotional level, talking to him or her (good ga ga does not count) and giving them room to cry when need be are essential steps to helping a child develop into a healthy, well-adjusted human being.