A healthy diet is the most important consideration for the mental and physical growth of a baby during the first year of its life. The choices start at birth when parents must decide to breast- or bottle-feed their infant. Due to the rapid physical maturation of the infant, many questions arise regarding the first-year dietary considerations for babies. Always consult with your pediatrician prior to changing your infant's diet.
Birth to 3 Months
After birth, the baby's only source of nutrition is either breast milk or an iron-fortified formula. Each nutrition source has its pros and cons. Breast-feeding bonds mother and baby quickly and provides immunity to illness through the mother's milk, which is also free and convenient. However, the father or other family members cannot help with feedings, especially those all-too-frequent ones throughout the night. Parents choosing to bottle-feed their baby must choose an infant formula. Although there are many variations, the three main types of infant formulas are derived from cow's milk, soy or hypoallergenic protein blends.
4 to 6 Months
Usually between 4 and 6 months of age the baby will become ready for infant cereal to supplement the bottle-feeding or breast milk. Always check with your pediatrician to see if your child is physically ready for solids before introducing them. Signs to watch for include sitting on their own, supporting and gaining head control, and becoming interested in foods. Start with a single-grain baby cereal, such as oat or barley, mixed with a little bit of formula or breast milk. A couple teaspoons of cereal is plenty at first -- most of it will end up on baby's face. If the baby tolerates the cereal, add one pureed fruit or vegetable at a meal. Wait a couple days between introducing new foods so that you can identify food intolerances.
6 to 8 Months
A healthy baby will continue to drink a supplement of breast milk or formula throughout the day, but have established meal times with the family by 6 to 8 months old. The baby may be reaching for mom's or dad's plate and trying to get her hands around more solid foods by now. With the pediatrician's blessing, a 6- to 8-month-old may be ready for a diet advance to finely chopped soft foods. Small pieces of fruit -- except for grapes, which are a choking hazard -- and overcooked pasta are good starters. Avoid pieces of hot dog, as they too are a choking hazard for babies. Crackers and foods that can be digested by "gumming" are healthy choices that will keep your baby busy.
9 to 12 Months
The last three months of the baby's first year will be a transitional period for family meal time. A healthy baby may be able to drink from a cup and use a spoon. Supplementation with breast milk or formula usually continues through the baby's first birthday. Fruit juice is acceptable, but keep it to 4 oz. daily of 100 percent pure pasteurized juice, as juice can cause diarrhea in an infant. If your baby is ready to eat family meals, be sure to finely chop her portions and exclude any chewy pieces of meat, such as steak.
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