Infant Nutrition

From birth to two years-a period characterized by rapid growth-gains in weight and height are the primary indices of nutritional status. Breast-feeding is encouraged for at least the first four-to-six months of life for nutritional as well as immunological benefits to the infant. While breast-feeding is highly encouraged, iron-fortified infant formula is also acceptable for the infant months if breast-feeding is not possible.
From birth until four months of age, newborns and young infants are not developmentally ready for solid food. They do not have the mouth and tongue movements necessary for effective swallowing of solid food; thus, they could choke. Also, their stomach is not ready to digest solid food. In addition, starting solid foods too early may cause the infant to develop food allergies. Contrary to popular belief, solid foods will not help infants wait for longer intervals between feedings, help them sleep through the night or improve the nutrition of their diets.
One of the most common nutritional disorders during infancy is iron deficiency anemia, which is routinely screened for through blood tests of hemoglobin or hematocrit. Solid foods are usually introduced around four-to-six months of age, particularly a single-grain, iron-fortified cereal such as rice cereal, to help prevent iron deficiency anemia. Other foods such as strained fruits and vegetables and fruit juice are gradually introduced into the diet. By about 12 months of age, most babies are eating small, tender table foods. In addition to age, the following are some additional indications that a baby is ready to begin solid foods:
Baby can hold head steady when sitting.
Baby sometimes opens mouth when food approaches.
Baby is interested in food when others eat.
Baby has the ability to swallow baby food placed on tongue.
Babies should always be sitting up to eat or drink and positioned so that they can see the face of the person feeding them. Mealtimes provide important opportunities for babies and their caregivers to smile, laugh, and enjoy eating together. In addition, babies should not be fed when parents are rushed or pressed for time. Also, babies' appetites can vary from day to day and they will let caregivers know they are full by turning their heads away from the spoon or holding their lips closed. Babies should never be forced to eat after they have indicated fullness.
In children under two years of age, dietary fat plays a key role in the formation of vital nerve and brain tissues. Health professionals do not recommend feeding reduced-fat foods to children of this age. For example, use of whole milk rather than low-fat or fat-free milk is advised.
To help guard against developing nursing bottle caries, caregivers should never put infants to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or other liquid.