Infants require proper nutrition in order to develop into healthy, active toddlers. While there isn't much diversity in what newborns eat, there are important things to consider when it comes to feeding an infant. The dietary needs of babies change over the first year of life as infants gain weight and psycho-motor skills. Adequate nutrition, combined with regular visits to the pediatrician to monitor growth are essential to proper infant development.
Birth to 4 Months
A healthy newborn requires only milk for the first four to six months of life. Either breast milk or formula can be given, but breastfeeding has been shown to be best. Since infants' digestive systems are not yet capable of holding large amounts, they might need to be fed six to 12 times a day (with formula-fed infants feeding less frequently). Over time, feeding frequency will decrease as the quantity of milk consumed increases. In total, 16 to 24 ounces of milk are ingested per day.
4 Months to 6 Months
At this age, breast milk or formula will still makes up the majority of a baby's diet, but most infants will begin showing signs of readiness for solid foods. Some of the signs include head and neck control, the ability to sit up with a little support, and interest in food. As infants exhibit these actions, iron-fortified rice cereal can be introduced. Typically, small amounts of cereal are mixed with a large quantity of milk (making a very thin porridge). As the baby gains better control over the swallow reflex, the mixture can be thickened with more cereal.
6 Months to 8 Months
The next major change in infant feeding usually occurs at 6 to 8 months of age. At this point, babies are ready for more variety in solid foods. Cooked, pureed fruits and vegetables without strong flavors or seasonings are the best foods to choose, such as green peas, carrots, bananas and peaches. Again, it is important to monitor an infant's developmental capabilities (can she sit up without assistance); using breast milk or formula to thin out purees is good practice. In later months, babies also start using their fingers to grab food. To help hone this skill, provide cooked peas, graham crackers or pieces of soft fruit.
8 Months to 1 Year
As infants get closer to their first birthday, they will need to significantly increase the iron in their diet. Including finely chopped meat is an ideal way to give babies the needed iron. In general, more servings of fruits and vegetables should be given as babies consume less breast milk or formula. To develop other mouth muscles, infants should be weaned off the bottle by age 1.
1 Year to 2 Years
By age 1, infants no longer need breast milk or formula and can graduate to whole milk. The fat in whole milk is important for brain development. In addition to whole milk, the 1- to 2-year-old should be eating foods from across all food groups. At this point, the child is learning to accept a variety of foods that will combine to provide all the necessary nutrients. It's important to note that growth slows at this point, and meals are still small but frequent.
Warnings
Honey should never be given to an infant, because it can cause botulism, a rare food poisoning that the infant immune system cannot handle.
To monitor a child for allergies, introduce new foods one at a time and spaced out by three days. This approach will leave enough time to determine whether there is an allergic reaction.
Infants should not be put to bed with milk in the bottle, because this practice can lead to tooth decay.
When an infant is ready for solid foods, avoid larger pieces of hard food that can cause choking, for example, popcorn, grapes, hot dogs, berries.
