(NITS) Feeding an Infant Lesson

Feeding an Infant Lesson 

Birth - 12 months

As the baby continues to grow from a newborn into infancy (the first stage of life, 0-1 years old), the primary food should be milk. As the baby grows, parents will increase the amount of milk that is consumed. Around 6 months of age, the child's digestion and immunological systems have developed and the infant can begin eating some different types of foods. Most doctors do not recommend feeding an infant food before 6 months because of organ development. Some studies even show that parents who feed their infants too early may see some problems with poor digestion, increased allergies, immune problems, and even obesity later on in life.

To understand proper organ development, it is important to know how food is taken into the body and processed. The presentation below outlines the process of digestion in infancy. Take notes as you interact with the presentation as you will be assessed on the information. Ensure that your speakers are turned up. Roll over the icon in the upper right hand corner if you need help.

 

 

When introducing table foods to an infant, the flavors should be pure and not seasoned with salt or sugar. Most of the foods need to be cooked first, and then pureed. Around this point, the infant may start developing teeth. Some infants can start teething as early as 4 months and others as late as 12 months. As time progresses and the infant produces more teeth, the diet can change and become more diverse.

 

Signs that an Infant is Ready to Eat Solid Food

  • The infant can sit up (with support) and can hold her head and neck up well.
  • Birth weight has doubled.
  • The infant is interested in what the parents are eating and may even try to grab food from a parent's plate.
  • The infant can keep food in her mouth rather than letting it dribble out.
  • The infant shows signs of hunger by clamoring for more when her bottle is empty or wanting to nurse more often.

 

Benefits of Solid Food

  1. Helps to boost the iron content (which decreases around 6 months)
  2. Helps support adequate growth
  3. Delivers a variety of vitamins and minerals
  4. Reduces the cost of formula

 

Please review the chart below to see some of the common types of baby foods that doctors recommend.

Types of Baby Foods Image Cereal: oat, rice Fruits: apples, prunes, plums Vegetables: carrots, squash, green beans

 

As the infant grows and produces more teeth, he/she can start eating table food (food in its natural state that has not been modified by cutting or mashing). Table food refers to food in its natural state. Before this, the infant ate foods that were mashed, pureed or finely chopped. With the addition of teeth, the baby can now break down the food so it can be digested. When introducing new foods into the diet, wait 3 days between each item to make sure there is no allergic reaction. Start with one serving daily and build up to three servings a day. It may be surprising to learn that most baby foods are simply made up of steamed fruits or vegetables and purified water. There are no other added ingredients.

 

Self-Assessment: The Digestive Process in Infancy

Use the arrows to move items up or down to ensure the digestive process for infants is displayed in the correct order.

 

New Additions to the Diet: Ages 7 months - 12 months

  1. Meat: lean sources like turkey, chicken, pork, and beef
  2. Beans and peas
  3. Eggs: Yolks first, then later the whites around 12 months
  4. Potatoes: boiled and then mashed
  5. Dairy: cheese, yogurt, milk (12 months)
  6. Breads and noodles

Although the baby may or may not enjoy some of the foods the parent is feeding, it is important to monitor the child's diet. If a child does not like a certain food, try reintroducing it later. Sometimes, many of the food items can be mixed to make the taste more appealing. 

There are a few foods that parents should avoid until the age of one year. They are listed below:

- Avoid honey as bacterial spores found in honey (which are harmless to older children and adults) may cause infant botulism.

- Wait to introduce cow's milk as babies under one year do not have the enzyme necessary for digestion.

- Citrus is high in acid and may cause irritation.

- Avoid shellfish due to possible allergens.

- Unpasteurized cheese may cause listeria.

- Avoid popcorn, raisins, or any other item that might cause choking.

- Limit the amount of juice given to a child as it is high in sugar.

 

Homemade Baby Food

Save Money Food Image Reads: How Much Does It Cost To Feed An Infant? According to the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (an agency of the USDA), the average annual food expenditures for infants (0-2 years old) ranges from $83 a month by families that make an average of $27,000 to $130 a month for families making an average of $109,000. That is a range of $996-$1360 per year, per child. This number doubles with twins!Some people enjoy making their own baby food. They may choose to do this for several reasons. The first reason is because they can control the quality of product that is given to their child. Some parents will choose to feed their infant only organic foods. Also, they can mix certain foods more easily if they make it at home. It is also much more affordable to make the baby food at home. Lastly, there is less waste involved. There are no jars or containers to throw away. Also, parents can use some of the items they cook for their infants in their own meals. A great example of this would be roasted squash. The parent can eat the roasted squash as part of dinner and can blend it for her infant.

 

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