Babies grow at quickly, and they need a healthy diet to promote their growth and development. If you are concerned about your baby's diet and nutrition, talk with your pediatrician about the best options for your baby. Don't neglect your own diet either, especially if you are breastfeeding. You need all your energy to take care of that little one.
Breastfeeding Benefits
From a medical and nutritional perspective, breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies receive nothing but breast milk for the first six months of life and encourages mothers to continue nursing for at least the first year. Breast milk provides all the vitamins and minerals that a baby needs. Breast milk also contains antibodies that can help protect a baby from ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory infections and meningitis. Breast milk is especially beneficial for premature babies, because of the immunity it provides.
Choosing the Best Formula
If you decide not to breastfeed, or you need to supplement breast milk with formula, rest assured that there are quality formulas that can provide optimal nutrition for your baby. Generally speaking, most pediatricians recommend iron-fortified formula. Consult with your pediatrician, who will probably advise you to start with cow's-milk formula. If your baby develops an allergy or shows signs of lactose intolerance, she may need to be switched to another formula. According to AskDrSears.com, a DHA-fortified formula is also advisable. DHA is important for brain development.
Transitioning to Solid Foods
Most babies are ready to transition to solid foods when they are 4 to 6 months old. The Mayo Clinic website recommends starting with an iron-fortified cereal and then moving to pureed meat, fruits and vegetables and finally to finely chopped finger foods when your baby is 8 to 10 months old. Iron intake is particularly important during this stage, because of the role it plays in brain development. Iron deficiency may also cause slow growth, pale skin, lack of appetite and irritability.
Foods to Avoid
Knowing which foods to avoid is a crucial part of healthy baby nutrition. Babies who are younger than 12 months should not consume honey, cow's milk, citrus fruits or corn syrup. Avoid offering juice until your baby is at least 6 months old, and limit intake to 4 oz. each day. If you have a family history of food allergies, avoid feeding your baby eggs, peanut butter or fish, which can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive babies.
