Infant and newborn

Food provides the energy and nutrients that babies need to be healthy. Breast Milk is the best for a baby because it has all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Infant formulas are available for babies whose mothers are not able or decide not to breastfeed.

Infants usually start eating solid foods between 4 and 6 months of age. If you introduce one new food at a time, you will be able to identify any foods that cause allergies in your baby. Some foods to stay away from include

• Eggs
• Honey
• Peanuts (including peanut butter)
• Other tree nuts

Breastfeeding offers many benefits to your baby. Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients to help your infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler. Some of the nutrients in breast milk also help protect your infant against some common childhood illnesses and infections. It may also help your health. Certain types of cancer may occur less often in mothers who have breastfed their babies.

Women who don't have health problems should try to give their babies breast milk for at least the first six months of life. There are some cases when it's better not to breastfeed. If you have HIV or active tuberculosis, you should not breastfeed because you could give the infection to your baby. Certain medicines, illegal drugs, and alcohol can also pass through the breast milk and cause harm to your baby.

Providing a variety of foods will help to ensure enough vitamins and minerals. Toddlers do not grow as rapidly as babies do, so their nutritional needs relative to their size decrease during the second year of life. Although they continue to gain weight, they no longer double their weight as infants do.

Keep in mind, however, that toddlers are becoming more and more active as they learn to crawl and walk. Toddlers and small children will usually eat only small amounts at one time, but will eat frequently (4 - 6 times) throughout the day, so snacking is strongly encouraged.

Feeding tips:

• Feeding solids too early is not recommended and can result in overfeeding.
• Offer only one new food at a time. Offer the new foods for a few days. Watch for allergic reactions (hives, vomiting, diarrhea).
• Do not feed solids in a bottle.
• If your child dislikes the new food, try giving it again later.

SAFETY DURING MEALTIMES

• Feed the baby directly from the jar only if you use the entire jar contents, otherwise use a dish to prevent contamination with food-borne illness.
• Opened containers of baby's food should be covered and stored in a refrigerator for no longer than 2 days.
• Use a small spoon to feed the baby.
• A baby put to bed with a bottle (milk, fruit juice, or sweetened beverage) can develop bottle mouth, resulting in tooth decay. Use plain water if a bottle is necessary.
• Avoid foods that may cause the baby to choke -- popcorn, nuts, potato chips, whole kernel corn, berries, grapes, hot dogs, raw vegetables, raisins, dry flake cereals.

OTHER TIPS

• Water can be offered between feedings.
• Feeding sweets or sweetened beverages is not recommended, because they will spoil the appetite and contribute to tooth decay.
• Salt, sugar, and strong spices are not recommended.
• Caffeine products are not recommended (soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate).
• A fussy baby may need attention, rather than food.