+ Diets through the Lifespan Unit 6

+ Birth to 4 Months During the first 4 -6 months of live, infants only need breast milk or formula to meet nutritional needs. If breast feeding, a newborn may need to eat 6 to 8 times a day. At 4 months the baby may cut back to 4 to 6 times a day. Formula fed babies may need 6 to 8 times per day 2 to 3 ounces at each feeding.

+ 4 – 6 Months of Age Never give honey to an infant, it may contain spores that cause botulism. At 4 – 6 months of age, an infant should be consuming 28 to 45 ounces of formula and should start transitioning to solid foods. Start solid feedings with iron-fortified baby rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula, thicken it as the baby learns to control its mouth.

Months of Age Continue to offer breast milk or formula 3 to 5 times a day. Cow’s milk is not recommended for children under 1 year old. The baby will begin eating less breast milk or formula and eat more solid foods. Introduce fruits and vegetables one at a time. Start with plain vegetables like carrots and green peas. Give fruits and vegetables in 2 to 3 tablespoon servings and offer 4 servings a day.

Months of Age Offer breast milk or formula 3 to 4 times a day. At 8 – 12 months, a baby will be ready to try strained or finely chopped meats. Offer 1 new meat a week in 3 to 4 tablespoon servings. Serving sizes for fruit and vegetables increases to 3 – 4 tablespoons, 4 times a day. At age 1 year, most children are off the bottle. If the child uses the bottle, it should contain water only.

+ Daily Fruit Recommendation Children 2-3 years old—1 cup Children 4-8 years old—1 ½ cup Girls 9-13 years old—1 ½ cup Girls years old—2 cups Boys 9-13 years old—1 ½ cups Boys years old—2 cups

+ Daily Vegetable Recommendation Children 2-3 years old—1 cup Children 4-8 years old—1 ½ cup Girls 9-13 years old—2 cups Girls years old—2 ½ cups Boys 9-13 years old—2 ½ cups Boys years old—3 cups

+ Daily Grain Recommendation Children 2-3 years old—3 oz. Children 4-8 years old—5 oz. Girls 9-13 years old—5 oz. Girls years old—6 oz. Boys 9-13 years old—6 oz. Boys years old—8 oz.

+ Daily Protein Foods Recommendation Children 2-3 years old—2 oz. Children 4-8 years old—4 oz. Girls 9-13 years old—5 oz. Girls years old—5 oz. Boys 9-13 years old—5 oz. Boys years old—6 ½ oz.

+ Dairy Daily Recommendations Children 2-3 years old—2 cups Children 4-8 years old—2 ½ cups Girls 9-13 years old—3 cups Girls years old—3 cups Boys 9-13 years old—3 cups Boys years old—3 cups