When you first bring your newborn home, your feeding options are relatively simple, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Very young babies thrive on breast milk or formula up until the age of four to six months, at which time thin purees can slowly be introduced into the diet. Certain food types are inappropriate for your infant or toddler, however. Introduce foods one by one, increasing the complexity of food types and textures as appropriate for your child's age.
Newborns
The American Academy of Pediatrics and Mayo Clinic experts agree that breast milk is best for your newborn, as human milk boosts your child's immunity. If breast-feeding isn't practical, there's certainly no shame in opting to go with an iron-fortified commercial baby formula instead, or combining breast-feeding with formula feeding. Infants under the age of six months need no additional vitamin or nutrient supplements, says the AAP, although they may experience a deficit in vitamin D. This can be provided by minimal exposure to sunshine. Infants between four and six months of age who are breast-fed exclusively may also need iron supplements. Mayo Clinic expert Jay Hoecker, MD, notes that breast-feeding up to age one is "ideal," but there's really no set cutoff date.
Newborn Concerns
The AAP advises trying to get your newborn into a pattern of breast-feeding or formula feeding. Parents should not be too rigid, however, nor should they expect the child to consume a full 4 oz. of milk or formula each time. The AAP notes that each baby's needs are "unique." While most newborn babies need to be fed every three to four hours, some require more frequent feedings. If you're breast-feeding, staying healthy is important; Mayo Clinic experts advise eating a nutritious diet and drinking plenty of liquids, as well as avoiding smoking, getting enough rest and taking medications only with your doctor's approval. It's also a good idea to go easy on alcohol and caffeine consumption as well.
Infants
Between the ages of four and six months, infants are ready for thin, pureed foods. The AAP advises starting with rice cereal and then integrating oatmeal and barley cereals while continuing to feed the infant breast milk or formula. Mayo Clinic experts advise combining 1 tsp. cereal (iron-fortified) with 4 or 5 tsp. water, breast milk or formula. Serve it to the infant while in a sitting position using a utensil. Don't put the cereal in a bottle; your goal is to get the child accustomed to spoon feeding. Start by presenting manageable portions in small, rounded sizes until your infant is comfortable with eating cereals. After the infant easily eats cereals, Mayo Clinic experts advise integrating single-ingredient purees one at a time--meat, vegetables and fruit--and waiting a week before introducing each new food.
Infant Concerns
Up until the age of four months, your infant still has a tongue-thrust reflex, points out the AAP, which is why he pushes against solid food when it's put in his mouth. Giving your child purees when he's not ready can pose a choking hazard. The Mayo Clinic advises you to look for signs of readiness: the child sits with support and can hold his head up independently; also, he displays interest in what you're eating. The AAP notes that wheat and mixed cereals may cause an allergic reaction in young infants, so these should be introduced into his diet last. Finally, the AAP notes that fruit juice is not appropriate until your child is six months old.
Toddlers
As your child nears the one-year mark, chopped solids--pasta, soft, non-citrus fruits and ground cooked meat--can be added into her diet between eight and ten months of age. By the age of one, Mayo Clinic experts indicate that your child can have what the rest of the family is eating, in a chopped or mashed presentation. She can also have whole cow's milk, citrus fruits and honey. KidsHealth.org points out that between 12 and 18 months of age is the ideal time to introduce the use of a cup. Until around the age of 15 months, she will most likely finger-feed until the fine motor skills that allow her to use a pincer grasp on a utensil are well-developed. Your child should be offered three meals and two snacks each day, but don't be surprised if she gives a meal a pass. KidsHealth.org states stresses the importance of feeding toddlers according to their own internal hunger cues.
Toddler Concerns
Some dry, chewy or stringy particulates are a choking risk. Avoid popcorn, hard candy, grapes, nuts, raw vegetables, hard fruits, hot dogs and raisins, advises KidsHealth.org. Also, monitor the amount of milk your toddler gets per day, limiting it to 16 to 24 oz. This is the stage of your child's life when it pays to look out for signs of allergies to foods such as peanuts and seafood, especially if family members have these particular food allergies. Communicate this information to your child's pediatrician so he can make recommendations that are best for your toddler.
