FEEDING INFANTS
Sandra Ryan
Registered Dietitian
Iowa Department of Public Health
Elisabeth Schafer
Associate Professor - Extension Nutrition Specialist
Iowa State University
Copyright/Access Information
Infants need special feeding care. Parents and child care providers must work closely to ensure consistent care in this most important growth period. Parents should establish a regular routine of feeding their baby according to the recommendations of a pediatrician.
Talk to parents often about the feeding of their infants. Keep feeding recommendations and any changes in those recommendations signed by parents and filed with the infant's records.
Babies grow more rapidly in the first year of life than at any other time. A baby doubles his birthweight in the first 4 months of life and triples birthweight by the first birthday.
Infants need the same nutrients as children and adults: protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamins, and minerals. Infant foods must also contain enough calories to allow normal growth and development at this critical time.
Parents may choose to breastfeed their infants or to provide commercial infant formulas. Either type of feeding contains the calories and nutrients infants need for the first 4 to 6 months. Appropriate amounts of either frozen breast milk or commercial formulas may be brought to a child care provider each day. The following tips will aid in the proper handling of infant feedings:
Breast milk and infant formula are the only foods recommended for the first 4 to 6 months of life. Vitamin and mineral supplements usually are not necessary and should be given only when recommended by a physician.
Although breast milk and infant formula continue to be an important part of baby's diet, solid foods may be introduced at about 4 to 6 months. These foods provide extra calories and nutrients for the older baby.
At 4 to 6 months, babies learn to control head movements and to keep food in their mouths rather than pushing it out with their tongues. They also learn to sit up, making feeding with a spoon possible. Wait for the baby to develop these skills before you begin solid foods.
Follow these tips when introducing solid foods:
Vegetables may be introduced after cereals, at about 7 months. The baby may begin to make chewing motions at this time. At this stage, cereal may be made with less formula or breast milk, and mashed vegetables may be added to encourage chewing.
Babies with one or two teeth can eat some lumpy foods. Foods served to the other children may be offered to the baby. Easily mashed foods, such as potatoes and carrots, bananas, or canned fruits, work well. Remember, though, that babies do not need added sugars or salt.
Offer soft finger foods as soon as a baby can grasp. Any food that will not fall apart between the plate and mouth is appropriate as a soft finger food. Soft finger foods are messy at first, but the mess will decrease with practice.
Meat, egg yolks, and small amounts of cheese and yogurt may be added to baby's diet between 10 and 12 months. Babies should not be given egg whites before the first birthday.
Honey and corn syrup are not recommended before 12 months. Some honey and corn syrup contain botulism spores. These are not harmful to children and adults but may produce poisons that can be fatal to babies. Infants' digestive systems cannot destroy these spores.
Formula, breast milk, juices, and water may be given from a cup after 10 months. Hold the cup and serve only small amounts of liquid. Only an adult should feed an infant. By the first birthday, the baby should be able to handle the cup alone.
Avoid serving foods that may choke an infant. Serve only foods that are soft or that will soften in the mouth. Avoid raw carrots, nuts, popcorn, unpeeled fruits and vegetables, hard candies, pickles, hot dogs, and other hard foods.
If you are in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), refer to their infant meal pattern guidelines for information on specific foods and appropriate amounts. Discuss feeding infants with your sponsor, and remember that you must have on file a medical exception if other than the
required foods are to be reimbursed.
Always hold an infant for feeding. If an infant falls asleep while feeding, and an adult is not present to remove the bottle, milk may remain in the mouth during sleep. The sugar naturally found in this milk can cause cavities in new or forming teeth. Teeth with cavities may hurt or break, making it difficult for a child to chew. Inability to chew makes it difficult for children to get the calories and nutrients they need.
Do not allow toddlers to carry bottles of milk, juice, or soft drinks while playing. Sugars in these liquids also contribute to bottle tooth decay. Damage to the teeth can be long-lasting, and eating may become more difficult as the child grows.
In addition to bottle tooth decay, children who carry bottles may share sips with other children. By sharing sips, they also may share infections.
Teething infants can find some relief from chewable toys, including some made for teething children. Avoid giving brittle crackers, raw vegetables, and any substance that might cause the infant to choke, but do give bits of foods that infants can eat with their fingers.
Some mothers may wish to continue breastfeeding while their children are in child care. They may choose to adjust their work schedule so that they can come and nurse the baby at your home, collect and store breast milk for you to use while they are away, or use formula during the day but continue nursing at home. The following information about breastfed babies can help you if you happen to care for one.
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