Nutrition is often regarded as the foundation of health, growth, and development. Proper nutrition for infants is vital to the child’s current and future wellness, health, and physical and mental development.
During the first two years, infants only consume small amounts of food, so every bit needs to count. Parents must understand what constitutes proper infant nutrition to provide nutrition designed to support daily function, health, growth, and development.
Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding
The NIH reviewed nearly 3,000 studies on the impact of infant nutrition on long-term health during the first two years of life. The results found no clear distinction between breastfeeding and formula feeding. In some studies, breastfeeding is superior. In others, formula feeding is the better option.
The choice that is right for your family depends largely on your preferences, medical history and needs, and your baby. We recommend discussing your options with a pediatrician or your OBGYN.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Many guidelines recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first six months because it offers several benefits for both babies and mothers.
- Breast milk provides babies with complete nutrition. It changes naturally over time, adjusting to an infant’s needs that change with development.
- Breastfeeding can protect babies from contagious diseases through the transfer of antibodies from the mother. It can also safeguard infants from a variety of systemic illnesses.
- Breastfeeding can reduce a mother’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and heart disease.
- Plus, mothers enjoy the convenience of being able to feed their babies anytime, anywhere with minimal planning.
Tips for Successful Breastfeeding
Although it’s a natural process, breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally or easily to infants and mothers. Your OBGYN, a lactation consultant, or a pediatrician can show you how to achieve optimal positioning and latching while also answering your questions and helping you overcome challenges you might experience.
For successful breastfeeding, lactation experts recommend:
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact between mothers and infants to stimulate milk production
- Minimizing stress and staying well-rested to avoid hindering milk production
- Supporting your milk production with good hydration, a nutritious diet, and extra calories
- Staying strong and continuing to try – even if you don’t succeed right away
- Seeking expert support and asking questions
Choosing the Right Formula
In the U.S., infant formula is regulated by the FDA for safety and nutrition, so no single brand is better than another. When selecting a formula for your infant, the CDC recommends:
- Choosing an iron-fortified formula
- Ensuring the formula is labeled for the correct developmental stage (i.e. infant or toddler)
- Making sure the formula is not past its expiration date
- Checking that the formula’s container is not puffed, leaky, or rusting
- Making sure the container is properly sealed
Feeding Techniques for Success With Formula
Bottle feeding is a chance for your baby to bond with their primary caregivers, and primary caregivers should provide most bottles.
For the best results bottle feeding your baby, consider the following techniques:
- Hold your infant in a semi-upright position while supporting their head.
- Gently brush the bottle’s nipple on your baby’s mouth and allow them to open their lips and draw it in.
- Hold the bottle horizontally with the back tipped slightly upward to allow for a smooth flow of formula while minimizing air intake that can cause an upset stomach.
- After your baby has finished feeding, hold them upright and gently pat or rub their back to allow them to burp and release any air that has been taken in.
- Never leave your infant unattended with a bottle.
Introducing Solid Foods
Although every child is different, infants at around six months of age begin to exhibit signs that indicate they are ready to start trying solid foods.
Is Your Infant Ready? Signs of Readiness for Solid Foods
Some signs that your baby is ready to start trying solid foods include:
- The ability to sit up on their own or with support
- The ability to control their neck and head
- Bringing objects to their mouth
- Trying to grab small items like food or toys
- Swallowing food instead of spitting it out
We encourage parents to talk with their pediatrician about the process of introducing solid foods during a four or five-month appointment.
Guidelines for Introducing Different Foods
When ready, infants can be introduced to complementary foods that are given in addition to breastmilk or formula. Babies should be given nutrient-rich foods from all different food groups with lots of flavors and textures.
Any foods that could potentially result in an allergic reaction (eggs, nuts, wheat, fish, shellfish, soy, and dairy) should be given along with other complementary foods to reduce the risk of reaction or future allergy development.
Babies should not be given cow’s milk or soy milk until at least one year of age.
To avoid exposure to potentially dangerous bacteria, do not feed an infant any type of honey (raw or cooked) or any unpasteurized foods. Also, make sure that all fruits and vegetables are thoroughly washed.
Build a Healthy Foundation With Expert Guidance on Nutrition for Infants
Our pediatricians at Children’s Wellness Center are here to help, guide, and support you! We offer a free class for new parents that covers topics including infant nutrition, safety, sleep, immunizations, and more. We welcome you to register for class or schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians to discuss any of these topics further. If you have any questions about nutrition for infants, please contact us.
