Feeding Infants

Breast is Best The basis of your baby’s diet for the first year should be breast milk. Infant formula is an acceptable substitute. BREAST MILK OR FORMULA SHOULD BE YOUR BABY’S SOLE INTAKE FOR 4-6 MONTHS. NEVER feed an infant cow’s milk Protein content doesn’t match infant needs Too much sodium

When to Introduce Solids Age… baby should be 4 to 6 months old Baby can fully support their own head Tongue thrust reflex has disappeared Baby can sit with support NEVER put cereal in bottles.

Avoid Feeding from Jars Breakage potential Bacteria growth Salivary Amylase will pre-digest food

Introduction Guidelines Initially introduce one new food per week. After two weeks, introduce one new food every 2-3 days. AVOID: seafood, peanut, orange, honey

Watch for Allergies Signs of allergic reaction: Bad breath Rash or hives Avoid food item Swelling of face or lips Inform pediatrician In severe cases, difficulty breathing Seek medical attention

First Food Rice Cereal (plain) Add breast milk or formula Make very thin (think slurp-able) Eventually add water instead, if baby is breastfed… adds flouride

Second Food Fruits followed by Vegetables Some doctors reverse this as they think it helps babies to learn to like vegetables. 1st fruit… BANANA 1st vegetable… CARROT Initially, add fruit to cereal for familiarity. Then, serve alone. Aim for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. A jar or container of baby food has two servings.

Third Food Combined Foods Macaroni and Cheese Spaghetti Lasagna Chicken and Vegetable These foods usually retain some of the shape and texture of the original food.

Desserts Desserts are optional and should not be counted as a fruit or vegetable serving. Contain sugar Should only be fed to a baby after a healthy meal has been consumed.

Egg Egg is a high allergen and should be added after a baby has tried most infant foods. Cook egg and cut into strips to encourage self feeding.

Next Steps At one year: Wean baby from breast or bottle. Introduce a sippy cup at 7 months. Introduce “graduate” or toddler foods Give 4% milk as beverage Add family diet Avoid excess sodium