The first 12 months of a human's life are a time of rapid growth and change. Most newborns start life with a sole diet of breast milk or infant formula. Over the course of their first year, they will gradually begin to eat other foods as they develop the ability to swallow solid foods and as their digestive systems mature.
Feeding the Newborn
The World Health Organization recommends breast-feeding an infant for the first six months of life. Even if the new mother cannot breast-feed her infant that long, the baby will benefit from receiving some breast milk as a newborn. Commercial infant formulas, available in grocery stores, mimic some of the nutrients in breast milk.
Breast Milk
Breast milk contains what a baby needs for healthy development, including protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Diets." In addition to nutrition, breast-feeding provides the infant with antibodies to help prevent infections. The "Gale Encyclopedia" reports that breast-fed babies have fewer ear infections and respiratory infections, and they are less likely to be overweight or succumb to sudden infant death syndrome.
Infant Formula
Sometimes breast-feeding is not an option. Because a newborn's diet is vital to his health, the Food and Drug Administration regulates the ingredients in commercial baby formulas and sets minimum nutrition guidelines. Some babies find it difficult to digest infant formula, although most infants adapt to their new food and thrive. Conventional formula contains cow's milk but soy milk formula is available for babies who cannot tolerate cows' milk. Consult your pediatrician before starting your infant on soy milk formula.
Introducing New Foods
An infant's first solid food is often a watery blend of cereal, combined with breast milk or formula. Between 4 and 6 months of age, your baby's pediatrician might suggest starting an iron-fortified baby cereal, advises the "Gale Encyclopedia." At this time, you might also offer your infant apple juice or grape juice, diluted with distilled water. Avoid juice blends that contain added sugar. Offer only one new item to an infant's diet per week, and monitor the baby's reaction. If the infant develops diarrhea or colic, discontinue that food item and reintroduce it later, when the baby is older.
Baby Foods
Tiny jars of finely ground meats, vegetables and fruits line the baby food aisle in your grocery store. Like infant formula, the FDA oversees the nutritional content in prepared baby foods. Infants older than 6 months can begin eating one new flavor of baby food per week. The "Gale Encyclopedia" suggests using a blender or food processor to puree table foods, including well-cooked vegetables, fruits and cooked rice. Avoid feeding your infant foods that contain salt, sugar and additives.
Finger Foods
Around 9 months of age, an infant might be ready to start eating simple finger foods. Babies enjoy feeding themselves and parents can offer small bits of soft foods at mealtime. Choose food items that breakdown quickly in the mouth to avoid choking. The website, KidsHealth, recommends well-cooked bits of vegetables, cottage cheese and shredded cheese, ripe bananas and bits of dry cereals that melt in the mouth. Avoid foods that require chewing.
References
- World Health Organization: Infant and Young Child Feeding
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Diets: A Guide to Health and Nutrition"; Jacqueline L. Longe, 2008
- KidsHealth: Finger Foods for Babies
