FEEDING YOUR BABY

From birth to 6 months of age, babies need only breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula.

Reasons to resist feeding your baby solid foods too early Young infants may choke on solid food Baby may not get the recommended amount of milk needed for proper development Baby may develop food allergies because of an immature digestive tract

Signs your baby is ready to eat solid food It can sit with support and hold their head steady. It can draw in their lower lip as a spoon is removed from their mouth. It can keep food in their mouth and swallow it.

Most babies ready to receive solid foods by 4-6 months The infant’s intestinal tract is developing defense mechanisms that can protect the baby from foreign proteins reducing its risk of allergic reactions to foods. The baby’s body is better able to digest fats, carbohydrates and proteins besides those found only in breast milk or formula. The infant’s kidneys are better able to excrete waste products that come from foods such as meat. The older baby is better able to recognize and accept a spoon, chew, swallow non-liquid foods and appreciate different tastes and color of foods.

First Steps to Feeding Your Baby Solid Foods Wash the baby’s face and hands. Face the baby when offering food by spoon. Wait for the baby’s mouth to open before putting the spoon to the baby’s lips.

Introduce one new food, at a time, to your baby.

Symptoms of allergic reaction or food intolerance diarrhea vomiting coughing wheezing hives skin rashes

Foods causing allergy cow’s milk eggs wheat peanuts fish shellfish

Food intolerance examples lactose intolerance (milk) gluten intolerance (grains)

Choose infant rice cereal as the first solid food to feed to your baby.

Start by giving your baby a teaspoon of baby cereal mixed with breast milk or formula at each feeding.

How to start solid food with your baby Mix one teaspoon of baby cereal mixed with milk Gradually work up to feeding your baby 2 tablespoons Make cereal a little runny Use a baby spoon Let your baby touch his/her food to become familiar with it Relax. Be patient with your messy baby Place a fabric under the highchair so cleaning up is easier

Vegetables and fruits can be introduced to your baby after cereals

Safe finger food for your baby

Safely prepare and store your baby’s food

Children should start drinking from a cup at 6 to 9 months of age

Babies should drink only grams of fruit juice per day.

fruit juice servings 4 – 6 months of age: only 60 grams of fruit juice per day 6 – 8 months of age: only grams of fruit juice per day 8 – 12 months of age: only 120 grams of fruit juice per day

Babies months old are ready to eat cheese yogurt cooked lean, strained or chopped meat cooked egg yolk (no egg white until 1 year old)

Older babies can be fed meals and snacks with the rest of the family