With the arrival of summer, summer clothes have come out of the closet, sunscreens have become indispensable, and the frequency of baths has increased. So, what should you pay attention to in your baby’s diet to ensure they have an enjoyable summer?
Beware of food poisoning.
The risk of food poisoning increases during the summer months. Ensure the freshness of the food and pay attention to storage and preparation conditions;
- Foods such as meat, chicken, fish, and eggs should not be consumed raw and should be well cooked.
- Do not give your baby foods sold openly and whose cleanliness is uncertain.
- Foods prepared for your baby can stay at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours; keeping them longer can cause bacterial growth.
- Foods you prepare at home for your baby can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours and in the freezer for 1 to 2 months.
- Foods taken out of the freezer should never be thawed outside; they can be thawed in the refrigerator or on the stove. Additionally, thawed foods should not be refrozen and should only be reheated once.
Pay attention to adequate fluid intake.
Fluid needs increase during the summer months. Babies under 6 months get all the fluids they need from breast milk or formula. Breast milk is 80% water, so even if the weather is very hot, a baby getting enough breast milk or formula does not need additional water. You can start giving your baby water after each solid food from the 6th month onwards. The daily water requirement is 120-240 ml for 6-12 months, 240-960 ml for 12-24 months, and 240-1200 ml for 2-5 years. Having at least 5-6 wet diapers in a 24-hour period indicates that your baby is consuming enough fluids.
Include plenty of watery fruits and vegetables.
Summer is the perfect time to consume more watery fruits and vegetables. During this period, fruits and vegetables such as melon, watermelon, peach, tomato, cucumber, zucchini, and lettuce help meet the fluid needs.
Be prepared for decreased appetite.
During the summer, you may notice that your baby’s appetite decreases due to the heat. In this period, foods like yogurt, kefir, cold yogurt soups, and cold vegetable dishes such as green beans and artichokes with olive oil can be very helpful. High-protein foods like meat, chicken, fish, and eggs should also continue to be given; you can wait for the cooler hours of the evening to offer these foods.
Resources:
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Refrigeration & Food Safety. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/refrigeration
- USDA Foodsafety.gov. People at Risk: Children Under Five. https://www.foodsafety.gov/people-at-risk/children-under-five
- U.S. Food and Drug Association. Once Baby Arrives from Food Safety for Moms to Be. https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/once-baby-arrives-food-safety-moms-be
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Freezing and Food Safety. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/freezing-and-food-safety
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Choose Water for Healthy Hydration. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Choose-Water-for-Healthy-Hydration.aspx
- World Health Organization (2015). Breastfeeding. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/breastfeeding
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 & Younger. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/recommended-drinks-for-young-children-ages-0-5.aspx
