What Do I Feed My Baby?

What Do I Feed
My Baby?

What Do IFeed My Baby?
Feeding Tips-Infants
Remember Æ The Breast is Best!
*Hold or set baby- so he/she can see your face
*Feed- baby slow to lower chances of choking, let baby decide when he/she is
finished eating, never leave alone while eating
*Use- a High Chair, Bib to catch spills
*AVOID- using food as a punishment, reward
PATIENCE!
*Remain Calm- the baby can sense your stress
-Hold- the baby securely
-Talk- to the baby while eating
*Formula- never prop bottle, never lie flat on back with upright bottle
-Upright Bottle- milk drains in the ear canal, can cause ear infection
*1st 4-5 months give only Breast Milk or Formula

Breast Feeding
Breast milk is always best.
Protection against diseases for mom and baby.
Less expensive.
Makes baby smarter.
Changes to meet the needs of baby.
Mom loses weight quicker.
How do I know my baby is getting enough?
Your baby is active, alert and content.
Your baby has at least 4 dirty diapers and 6 wet diapers per day.
You see your baby swallow as you feed your infant.
While feeding, the baby’s ears ‘wiggle’.
The baby gains about 4-8 oz a week.

Bottle Feeding
Two types of Formula:
Milk-based
o Example: Enfamil Lipil, Similac Advanced
Soy-based
o Example: Enfamil Prosobee Lipil, Isomil Advanced
Preparation of Formula:
Liquid
o 1-13 oz. can concentrate + 13 oz. sterilized or bottled water
Powder
o 1 scoop + 2 oz. sterilized or bottled water
Bottle preparation and storage:
Boil bottles and nipples before each use.
o Do not boil over 5 minutes.
Place prepared bottles in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
o After this time: throw the formula out.
If the baby takes a bottle and leaves a small amount:
o It is good for only 1 hour.
o Throw left over formula away.
Babies and extra water:
Babies do not need extra water while just drinking formula or breast
milk.
o They get enough fluid from the milk.
o Start plain water when the baby begins eating solid foods.

Food Introductions
How do you know when to start solid foods? Look for these signs:
• Good neck and head control.
• Reject or accept the foods.
• Hold their head up.
• Sits up on their own.
Beginning Solid Foods
Water should be given when solid foods are introduced.
4-6 months: (not before)
Cereal 1st:
o Correct order
Rice, oat, barley
o Use a small, plastic-covered spoon.
o One new food at a time.
o One new food per week
to watch for food allergies.
o Mixing method
3-5 tablespoons infant cereal + 2 oz breast milk, formula, or
water.
o 2 servings per day.
6 months:
Vegetables
o One new food per week
o One food at a time.
o Give a variety of vegetables.
A red this week, an orange next week, a green the next week,
etc.
o 2 servings per day.

Fruits & Juices
o Give after you feel comfortable about baby’s vegetable intake.
o Start with the light colored fruits and juices 1st
.
Example: Apple & banana instead of oranges.
o Dilute the juice by ½ with water
Juice is high in sugar and can cause diarrhea if not diluted.
o 2 servings per day.
9 months
Meats
o Make sure they are pureed and strained.
o No flavorings should be added – this includes salt.
o 1-2 servings per day.
AVOID the 1st year:
Honey or Karo Syrup
These foods are not pasteurized and can cause the baby to become very
sick bue to botulism
Unpasteurized juices.
Cow’s Milk in any form
Egg Whites
Peanut Butter
Foods with flavorings or spices
Why do you wait to introduce foods?
The baby’s stomach is continuing to grow this first year. Foods are introduced
at different times according to the baby’s development and needs.

Infant Feeding Problems
Too much Formula:
*Regurgitation, vomiting- reduce amount of feedings
*Diarrhea- frequent large stools
*Normal or excessive weight gain- excessive intake for age
Too little Formula:
*Symptoms- Irritable, underweight, hungry, constipated, inadequate intake
- increase-amount and frequency of feedings, weigh regularly
Improper Feeding Technique:
*Check- hole in rubber nipple, you suck nipple to see what comes out
-excessive swallowing of air, bloating, gas, discomfort, regurgitation
-Formula too hot or cold
-Improper nipple placement in mouth
-Burbing of child before laying down
*45 degree angle- when feeding
*1 oz. in Bottle- at end of feeding
*Check and follow- sterilization techniques
What do I need to do?
*See Physician for help
*See Registered Dietitian or FFF RD on line for help