Nutrition for Infants

Feeding is a good time for you and your baby to feel close to each other and relax. Talk softly to him. He knows your voice. Hold him close and look into his eyes. This helps him feel secure and loved. Feeling loved helps your baby grow, learn and develop.

Baby's hunger signs (cues)

Look for signs that your baby is hungry or full. At times, your baby will grow faster and need to eat more for a few days. Follow her hunger cues.

Feed her when she:

• sucks on her hand
• smacks her lips
• turns her head toward your breast 
• acts fussy, looks unhappy

Try to feed her before she starts to cry.

Stop feeding when she:

• turns her head away
• closes her mouth
• loses interest in eating
• falls asleep

You will know your baby is getting enough breast milk or formula when she;

• has 6 to 8 wet cloth diapers (5 to 6 disposable diapers) in 24 hours by day 4,
• if breastfed has yellow stools by day 5,
• has 2 to 5 stools per 24 hour period by 5 to 7 days, and 
• is back to her birth weight by 2 weeks of age and keeps growing.

Expect your baby to feed several times during the night for at least the first few months.

Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. It changes to meet your baby"s needs as he grows. Breeast milk is the only food needed for the first six months for most full them, healthy babies.Breast milk offers many health benefits to your baby. Breastfed babies have fewer colds, ear infections, allergies and other illnesses. Breast milk helps his brain develop. Breastfeeding also helps your body return to its normal weight faster.

Formula Feeding

If you are not breastfeeding, use iron-fortified formula. The added iron helps keep your baby's blood- and your baby - healthy.

Newborns do not need a full bottle of formula at each feeding. Start by offering no more than two to four ounces. Follow the directions on the can when you mix formula. Be sure to use the right amount of clean water and put the water in the bottle before adding formula. If you use too much water, your baby won"t get enough to eat. Too little water can upset his stomach or hurt his kidneys.

Your baby needs your attention. Hold him in your arms with his head raised while feeding. Leaving him with the bottle propped can lead to choking or ear infections.

24 HOURS OF FEEDING YOUR BABY 

the first 5 months

                                 Breastfeeding             Iron-fortified                                   Soft Solids

                                                                    Formula                                       (cereal or baby
                                                                                                                         food meat) 

Birth to
1 Month                  8 - 12 times                 every 2 to 3 hours
                                                               (14 to 28 ounces per day)
                             [ No more than 4 hours between feedings, regardless of
                              method. Ask your doctor or nurse if your baby needs a
                              vitamin D supplement. ]

2 Months                 8 - 12 times               every 3 to 4 hours 
                                                              ( 23-34 ounces per day) 

3 Months                 6 - 12times                every 3 to 4 hours 
                                                              ( 25-39 ounces per day)

4 - 5 Months           6 - 12times                   every 3 to 4 hours 
                                                              ( 27-39 ounces per day)
                              [Ask your doctor or nurse if your baby needs an  
                              iron supplement. Do not add cereal to your baby's 
                              bottle at any age. It will not help him sleep 
                              longer at night and may cause him to choke. It
                              may also give him too many calories.]

6 Months               6 - 12times                    every 3 to 4 hours                            1 - 4 Tablespoons             
                                                              ( 27- 39 ounces per day)                      per day                                            
                                                                                                                       offer 2 -3times                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                       daily
[ Ask your doctor or nurse if your baby needs a fluoride supplement ]


INTRODUCING SOLID FOODS

Give your baby only breast milk or formula for the first six months. Your baby's body needs time to develop before he can digest other foods. Starting solid foods, including baby cereal, too soon may cause choking, obesity and other health problems.

Your baby is ready for solid foods when he is about 6 months old and can:

• sit with support
• hold his head steady
• take food from a spoon                                                                           

Iron fortified infant cereal is a good first food for babies getting formula. Baby food meats are a good first food for breastfeeding babies.

Mix together in a bowl:

• 1 teaspoon infant cereal or baby food meant
• 2 tablespoons breast milk or infant formula

Make the mixture thin so your baby can learn to eat it easily. Feed with a small spoon. If he does not want to eat it, try offering it again in a few days. Babies may need to taste a new food 6 to 10 times before accepting it. As your baby learns to eat from a spoon, you can make the mixture thicker.

INTRODUCE  ONLY ONE NEW FOOD AT A TIME

Offer each new food for a week before starting a new one. If your baby vomits, has a rash or diarrhea, stop giving her that food and call the doctor or nurse. If there is no reaction, continue serving that food and begin another.

Try peeling and mashing cooked sweet potato or squash until smooth. Other good choices include mashed peas, potatoes and bananas. You can serve them at room temperature or slightly warmed. Be sure the food is not too hot!

( Never feed your baby egg whites because of allergies, or foods made with honey because of a rare but serious disease called Botulism )