1. Feeding Infants

2. Breast is Best
The basis of your baby’s diet for the first year should be breast milk.
Infant formula is an acceptable substitute.
BREAST MILK OR FORMULA SHOULD BE YOUR BABY’S SOLE INTAKE FOR 4-6 MONTHS.
NEVER feed an infant cow’s milk
Protein content doesn’t match infant needs
Too much sodium

3. When to Introduce Solids
Age… baby should be 4 to 6 months old
Baby can fully support their own head
Tongue thrust reflex has disappeared
Baby can sit with support
NEVER put cereal in bottles.

4. Avoid Feeding from Jars
Breakage potential
Bacteria growth
Salivary Amylase will pre-digest food

5. Introduction Guidelines
Initially introduce one new food per week.
After two weeks, introduce one new food every 2-3 days.
AVOID: seafood, peanut, orange, honey

6. Watch for Allergies Signs of allergic reaction: Bad breath
Rash or hives
Avoid food item
Swelling of face or lips
Inform pediatrician
In severe cases, difficulty breathing
Seek medical attention

7. First Food Rice Cereal (plain) Add breast milk or formula
Make very thin (think slurp-able)
Eventually add water instead, if baby is breastfed… adds flouride

8. Second Food Fruits followed by Vegetables
Some doctors reverse this as they think it helps babies to learn to like vegetables.
1st fruit… BANANA
1st vegetable… CARROT
Initially, add fruit to cereal for familiarity. Then, serve alone.
Aim for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. A jar or container of baby food has two servings.

9. Third Food Combined Foods Macaroni and Cheese Spaghetti Lasagna
Chicken and Vegetable
These foods usually retain some of the shape and texture of the original food.

10. Desserts
Desserts are optional and should not be counted as a fruit or vegetable serving.
Contain sugar
Should only be fed to a baby after a healthy meal has been consumed.

11. Egg
Egg is a high allergen and should be added after a baby has tried most infant foods.
Cook egg and cut into strips to encourage self feeding.

12. Next Steps At one year: Wean baby from breast or bottle.
Introduce a sippy cup at 7 months.
Introduce “graduate” or toddler foods
Give 4% milk as beverage
Add family diet
Avoid excess sodium