Let your baby show you when they are full
Did you know? The longer a mom breastfeeds, the more she responds to her baby’s signs of fullness.
If you’ve always breastfed your baby directly, you’ve never been able to accurately measure how much they’re drinking. You’ve learned to let your baby show you when they’ve had enough. So since they have started eating solid foods, chances are you’ve also trusted them to choose how much they want to eat.
Healthy approach
Scientific studies have suggested that the longer a mom breastfeeds, the more likely she is to respond appropriately to her baby’s signs of fullness. This applies to both nursing and eating solid foods. “There is an association between longer breastfeeding duration and responsive feeding practices,” explains Andrea Papamandjaris, PhD, Leader, Regulatory & Scientific Affairs at Nestlé Nutrition in Canada. “This may be one of the reasons for the apparent protective effect of breastfeeding on childhood obesity.”
Moms who breastfeed tend not to pressure their babies to finish all of their food. Instead, they follow responsive feeding techniques of trusting their baby’s appetite. If you’re offering your baby nutritious foods and allowing them to eat only as much as they wants, they’re more likely to stay at a healthy weight throughout childhood. And you can feel satisfied you’re giving your baby the healthiest start in life.
Sources
DiSantis KI, Hodges EA, Fisher JO. The association of breastfeeding duration with later maternal feeding styles in infancy and toddlerhood: a cross-sectional analysis. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2013; 10:53-65.
Jansen E, Mallan KM, Byrne R et al. Breastfeeding duration and authoritative feeding practices in first-time mothers. J Hum Lact 2016, 32(3): 498–506.
Taveras EM, Scanlon KS, Birch L et al. Association of breastfeeding with maternal control of infant feeding at age 1 year. Pediatrics 2004; 114(5):e577-83.
Taveras EM, Rifas-Shiman SL, Scanlon KS et al. To what extent is the protective effect of breastfeeding on future overweight explained by decreased maternal feeding restriction? Pediatrics 2006; 188(6):2341-8.
Related articles
How to continue your breastfeeding journey
While most women around the world breastfeed their babies in the early months, breastfeeding rates at 12 months of age vary widely. With the Health Canada recommendation to breastfee
2 mins to read
Why babies need breast milk AND water
Did you know? Offering sugary drinks to your baby adds extra calories to their diet and makes tooth decay more likely. It can also mean they drink less&
2 mins to read
7 reasons to keep breastfeeding
Breastfeeding beyond 6 months has many benefits for you and your baby. Discover them!
1 min to read
Mix up the menu!
It’s easy to fall into the habit of offering your baby the same foods every day, especially if you know they’ll happily eat them.
3 mins to read
Guide to breastfeeding and feeding positions
Yes, it seems like another pregnancy miracle, but it’s true—your body produces the perfect baby food: Breast milk.
11 mins to read
Your food safety checklist
Keep these instructions handy on your mobile or printed. This checklist will help you shop, store, cook and reheat your baby's food safely.
1 min to read
Benefits of probiotics for babies
This article includes contributions from Dr. Dina Kulik, pediatrician, and Charlotte Geroudet, GD.
5 mins to read
Choosing your baby’s food
Did you know? In many countries, pre-packaged baby food has to meet strict safety standards.
1 min to read
The ins and outs of babies’ digestive system
By Dr. Jeff Habert, family physician
3 mins to read
Why your baby needs to eat throughout the day
Did you know? Your baby may need to eat three meals and two mini meals each day.
2 mins to read
Feeding Tips for Older Babies
Your baby is now used to eating solids and may be grabbing at the spoon or picking up food by herself. This means she is ready for more self-feeding, a whole new messy adventure!
6 mins to read
7 basic rules of safe food preparation
Follow these stay-safe principles when you’re shopping or preparing food for your baby.
4 mins to read
Your 5-step guide to eco-shopping
Bringing a baby into this world can make new parents think about the future of the planet, and how they can lessen their impact for generations to come. Here are five ways
3 mins to read
How to Switch From Breastfeeding to Bottle-feeding
Whether you want to express breast milk or you’re thinking of supplementing with baby formula, try these 13 tips on how to switch from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding.
7 mins to read
Mini meals for mini people
Focus on your baby’s nutrition by offering them smart eating choices in between mealtimes.
3 mins to read
Did you know?
The way young children are fed may be as important as the food offered
1 min to read
Healthy eating habits start now
Did you know? Your baby’s dietary patterns are set before their second birthday.
2 mins to read
Safe first finger food for babies
By now you've noticed that everything seems to make its way into your little one’s mouth. Once he’s able grasp small objects, eating those little goodies is exactly what he'll try to do.
5 mins to read
What does organic mean for my baby?
Did you know? In a global survey, 30% of respondents looked for organic qualities when shopping.
2 mins to read
