Infants require a well-balanced and age-appropriate diet for proper growth and development. It is also vital that foods be introduced to infants at the right time. As young children are first learning to eat, they are at risk for choking. This factor makes it even more important to choose an appropriate meal plan for your infant.
Formula or Breast Milk
From birth through at least 4 months of age, breast milk or formula is the only food on your infant's meal plan. According to Kids Health, breast-feeding is the best choice for feeding your baby. Breast milk helps fight off infections, reduce the development of chronic conditions and prevent allergies. Some mothers are not able to breast-feed or choose to use formula instead. Infant formulas are designed to meet the nutritional needs of infants and these products are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. MayoClinic.com states that newborn infants typically need to be fed every two to three hours throughout the day and night.
Introducing Solids
It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that solids first be introduced between 4 and 6 months of age. Trying to offer solids before your baby is ready can put her at a high risk for choking. Although an infant's age can help indicate the right time to start offering baby food, every child is different and it is vital to recognize your baby's developmental readiness. MayoClinic.com recommends looking for some tell-tale signs that your baby is ready to start solid foods, such as sitting up with support, opening her mouth for a spoon and holding her head up on her own.
First Foods
Iron-fortified rice cereal is the recommended first food for infants. Rice cereal is the best cereal to offer first because of its low incidence of allergic reactions. Once your baby can successfully eat cereal, you can gradually introduce pureed fruit, vegetables and meat. Offer single-ingredient foods at first, and wait three to five days between the introduction of each new food. If your child has a rash, diarrhea or vomiting, you will easily be able to pinpoint which food may be causing an allergic reaction. About two to three months after starting solid foods, your infant's meal plan should include not only breast milk or formula, but also fruit, vegetables, meats and cereal that is divided among three meals.
Table Foods
After your infant has been introduced to all of the single-ingredient foods, you can start to offer her combination foods. Around 8 to 9 months of age, most infants have been exposed to a variety of textures, flavors and consistencies. Include your infant in family meals but fork-mash, cut up or grind whatever foods the rest of the family eats so it is soft enough for her to eat. It is recommended by the USDA that your infant continue to drink breast milk or formula until 1 year of age. By your child's first birthday, she should be able to switch to drinking whole cow's milk and eating most table foods. Avoid foods that put her at risk for choking, such as hot dogs, grapes, peanut butter, nuts and dried fruit.
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