Birth to 6 Months

What a joy to finally see baby’s sweet little face! With his arrival, routine changes are inevitable. This is to be expected, because so much attention is focused on your newborn. Just take things one day at a time, and you’ll see that establishing a new routine isn’t an impossible task.

Cooking

Eating Well

Family Mealtimes

I continue to experiment in the kitchen

Baby is born! With the arrival of your new bundle of joy, maintaining the good habits you learned during pregnancy may be quite a challenge. Shortcuts can be very tempting. But don’t worry! Just make sure to pick the right habits you’ll stick to.

cooking tips

I maintain my good weekly meal planning routine.
I take advantage of the times when baby is sleeping (or simply quiet!) to plan or prepare meals.
I prepare larger quantities and freeze leftovers for days when I am busier.
I use shortcuts in the kitchen. For example, I make meals that use fewer dishes (see our Roasted Chiken with grapes and Rutabaga recipe) or I use frozen vegetables.
I explore opportunities to learn more about cooking: collective kitchens, websites, TV cooking shows, etc.

positive effects

I am less stressed because I have planned my meals.
I save money and waste less food because I have planned my meals.
I take care of my health as well as my whole family’s health.
I am gradually developing my skills in the kitchen and enjoying cooking more than ever.
I am better prepared and feel more confident about cooking.

The key to success

Caring for a newborn requires a lot of attention. At the beginning there are many restless nights and you often don’t have much energy. It’s perfectly normal to place your priorities on what is most urgent. More than ever, it’s time to try a few quick and easy recipes. And above all, don’t forget to ask for a little help!

Links

I breastfeed my baby on demand

Baby is born! Mother’s milk is the perfect food for newborns. It’s nutritious, adapted to their nutritional needs, and provides an extra boost to their immune systems that protects them from illness. Here are few tips to guide as you breastfeed your baby and continue to establish healthy eating habits for the whole family!

tips for eating well

I breastfeed my baby as long as she wants to, and I stop when she loses interest.
I look for my baby’s signs of being full, like when she no longer suckles actively and is calm and relaxed. I’m attentive to her needs and respect her limits.
I discuss breastfeeding with people who’ve experienced it first-hand.
I continue to eat a variety of foods so my baby can explore new tastes through mother’s milk.
I continue to eat regularly and plan my meals around a balanced plate.

positive effects

I save money and time: breastfeeding is economical and practical.
I take care of my baby because my milk provides extra protection to her immune system and I am helping her grow and develop.
My baby learns to trust and she develops a comforting emotional bond.
I feel less isolated because I discuss my experiences, happiness and concerns with others.
I take care of both my baby and me.

The key to success

If you are worried that some of these tips may be difficult to put into practice or if you are experiencing any trouble, don’t give up. There are resources available to help and support you. Contact your CISSS or a local family organization. Every day offers a brand-new opportunity to do something that will make a positive difference in your baby’s life.

I hold baby in my arm at feeding time

Baby is finally in your arms! Your newborn’s first contact with food is through breastfeeding or the bottle. It’s an important moment because it fosters physical closeness and affection between parent and newborn. It’s also a perfect opportunity to gradually introduce the little one to the family mealtime routine.

family mealtimes tips

I keep baby close, observe his reactions, and look for his hunger and fullness.
I maintain my good mealtime routine by eating at set times in an appropriate place.
Little by little, I make room for my baby at the family table, even if he doesn’t eat with us yet.
I talk to and interact with my baby during mealtimes.
I try to encourage positive discussions about light-hearted subjects during meals.

positive effects

My baby learns to trust and he develops a comforting emotional bond.
I get to know my baby better and learn to recognize his hunger and fullness.
My baby is stimulated and learns by observing dinner table activity.
I help my baby become part of the family mealtime routine.
The atmosphere at the table is light and everyone enjoys family mealtimes.

The key for success

Baby’s arrival brings a series of changes in your daily life! It’s perfectly normal to sometimes feel exhausted. Some new parents choose to withdraw and isolate themselves. But keep in mind that whatever you do helps your baby discover and appreciate the pleasure and security of family mealtimes.