Information About Infant Diets

Feeding an infant a healthy diet is important for proper growth and development. An infant's diet will vary, based on the age of the infant. However, in the first year of life an infant diet should consists mainly of breast milk or infant formula. Vitamin supplementation may be necessary as well, depending on the infant's age and type of diet consumed.

Background

An infant's first year of life is full of experiences that help her brain and motor functions develop properly. According to Zero to Three, nutrients such as protein, fat and vitamins are essential for a baby's developing brain; a lack of essential nutrients can negatively affect infant intelligence.

Birth to 6 Months

From birth to 6 months of age, the American Dietetic Association recommends exclusively breastfeeding an infant. A combination of infant formula and breast milk, or infant formula alone may also be given at this age. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, most infants require 2.5 oz. of infant formula or breast milk per pound of body weight each day; however this amount is an estimate and will vary.

6 to 8 Months

According to the Nemours Foundation, when an infant is about 6 months old she can be introduced to solid foods. Many pediatricians will recommend starting an infant on iron-fortified rice cereal mixed with formula or breast milk as a first food. A few tablespoons of solid foods each day is typically all that an infant requires at this age. Common second foods include other types of infant cereals, pureed vegetables and pureed fruits. Breast milk or formula should continue to be the main source of nutrition.

8 to 12 Months

According to Nemours Foundation, an infant can transition to other types of solid foods and finger foods around 8 or 9 months of age in addition to breast milk or formula, iron-fortified cereals, pureed fruits and pureed vegetables. Additional foods that may be added to an infant's diet between 8 and 12 months of age include pureed or soft meats, whole-milk yogurt, soft cheeses, crackers, soft finger foods, cottage cheese, tofu, egg yolks, soft fruits such as bananas and other finger foods that are not a choking hazard. Whole cow's milk may be offered at 12 months of age.

Foods to Avoid

Foods that should not be offered to an infant the first year of life include those that may be unsafe, cause an allergic reaction or pose a risk for choking. Foods to avoid in the first year include whole eggs, nuts, peanut butter, honey, citrus fruits and seafood, according to the Nemours Foundation. Whole cow's milk should not be offered until a baby is 12 months old.