Introduction to Feeding Babies with Rice Soup and Milk Powder

It is widely known that infants need to be introduced to complementary foods as they grow to a certain stage. Artificially fed babies mainly rely on milk powder, but many mothers are very particular about their babies' diets. In order to help their babies obtain more nutrients, mothers often use rice soup to mix with milk powder. Milk powder is rich in calcium and casein, while rice soup contains a high level of phytic acid. Mixing them together can have a positive effect on constipation. However, what are the benefits of mixing rice soup with milk powder? Is it a good practice? Let's explore.

Benefits of Mixing Rice Soup with Milk Powder

The main component of rice soup is starch. Human saliva contains amylase, which digests starch. Although newborns have less amylase in their saliva, and its effect is weaker, with less saliva secretion, saliva secretion is reflexive and depends on the stimulation of the oral mucosa and the activity of the cerebral cortex. Therefore, regularly giving rice soup to babies can gradually increase the production of saliva and amylase, enhancing digestion. Similarly, rice soup can also increase the secretion of intestinal amylase, promoting digestion. Mixing milk powder with rice soup has other benefits as well. It reduces the sugar content in milk powder, decreasing the fermentation process in the intestine, while also increasing calories. It also makes the casein and fat in milk powder easier to digest and absorb. Mixing milk powder with rice soup should be done in the same proportion as mixing it with water.

Is It Good to Mix Milk Powder with Rice Soup?

Yes, it can be done. The phytic acid in rice can bind with the calcium in milk and be excreted through the stool, preventing calcium absorption. However, calcium from milk is the primary source of calcium for infants. In cases of constipation, using rice soup to mix milk powder can be helpful, but it should not be done for too long to avoid affecting calcium absorption. Milk and milk powder are alkaline in the intestine, which can lead to constipation. Diluting milk or milk powder with rice soup and adding 8-10 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters can make the stool acidic and easier to pass. Additionally, introducing foods like mashed vegetables, fruit purees, and porridge to babies' diets can promote bowel movement and prevent constipation. If a baby has dry stool or is slightly underweight, rice soup can be used as well. However, it is not necessary to do so if the baby is otherwise healthy, and the ratio of rice soup to water can be adjusted according to individual needs.

Can Rice Soup Be Used to Mix Milk Powder?

According to nutritionists, rice soup can indeed be used to mix milk powder and can be fed to babies. In fact, rice soup is more nutritious than cooked rice, especially when made from millet. However, relying solely on rice soup is not sufficient. Mixing milk powder with rice soup is a viable option. At around four months, babies can start being introduced to complementary foods such as mashed egg yolk mixed with milk powder and rice soup to create a paste-like consistency. Millet can also be ground into a powder using a juicer and cooked into a porridge. When preparing millet, it should be washed and dried before grinding and stored in the freezer to prevent spoilage. It is important to note that not all substances in milk powder are absorbed by babies, leading to dry and hard stool. A balanced diet including both milk powder and a variety of grains and cereals can provide babies with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development.