1. Proper Nutrition Equals Proper Growth
Nutrition during the first year of life is extremely important because of the rapid growth rate of an infant. An infant's growth is the best indicator of proper nutrition. During the first six months of life, an infant will double in weight. At one year of age, an infant's weight should be triple his birth weight. Infants get most of their nutrients from either breast milk or commercially available baby formula but, as the first year comes to a close, table food or baby food will make up a large portion of the infant's meals.
2. Calories, Calories and More Calories
An infant needs more calories per lb. of body weight than any other age group for proper growth. This is because of the rapid growth. Even when she is consuming only formula or breast milk, her calories come from the protein, carbohydrates and fat in the milk. Milk alone can give an infant up to six months old the required calories for proper nutrition. After six months old, table food, even if she is a picky eater will easily make up the rest of the necessary calories she needs. The amount of calories she needs depend on factors such as her age, weight and activity level. Ask your doctor to determine a specific caloric intake for your child if you feel you need a solid number.
3. Growing Bones Need Calcium
Infants younger than six months need about 400 milligrams of calcium per day. Infants six months to a year need about 600 milligrams of calcium per day. Both breast fed and formula fed infants usually get enough calcium with regular feedings. Formula contains more calcium than breast milk, but the calcium in formula isn't absorbed as easily as the calcium in breast milk.
4. Infants Need Iron
Infants need iron to help oxidize their blood. Infants up to six months old need 6 milligrams of iron per day. Infants six months to one year need 10 milligrams of iron per day. Infants who are formula fed an iron fortified formula have adequate iron intake during the first year of life. Breast fed infants usually need an iron supplement after they turn six months old. Most of the time, feeding an infant an iron fortified infant cereal will give the infant enough iron after six months.
5. Solid Nutrition
Solid foods become an integral part of an infant's diet starting at four to six months of age. In general, solid foods, such as baby food and table food, can be fed to formula fed infants sooner than breast fed infants. Infants should eat infant cereal such as rice cereal as a first solid food because it is easy to digest and generally doesn't cause allergic reactions. Introduce vegetables before fruits so the infant accepts the taste of vegetables. If fruits come first, the infant may reject vegetables because they aren't as sweet as fruits.
