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This diet is designed to meet the nutritional needs during the first year of life in order to promote optimal growth and development.
DESCRIPTION
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for all normal infants from birth to 4-6 months of age. Breastfeeding with appropriate introduction of other foods is recommended for the remainder of the first year, or longer if desired. Infants not receiving breastmilk should receive iron fortified formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that solids be introduced between 4 to 6 months of age.
CALORIC REQUIREMENTS
* One kilogram equals 2.2 pounds.
AGE CALORIES 0-6 months 108 calories per kilogram (kg)* 6-12 months 98 calories / kg 12 months+ 102 calories / kg
BASIC INFORMATION
Breastmilk or formula fortified with iron is sufficient for healthy infants during the first six months of life. It is perfectly fine to fully breastfeed the baby throughout the first year, if desired. The breast milk will change in nutritional content, adapting to meet the needs of the growing baby. Introduction of food should begin as nutritional requirements increase with age and development patterns indicate.
Developmental signs showing the infant is ready for solids include when the baby can sit with support, poses lips to receive a spoon, closes mouth around the spoon, no longer pushes food out of mouth with tongue, maintains grasp when object is placed in hands, reaches for objects and begins mouthing objects.
SUGGESTED AGE FOR INTRODUCTION OF SOLIDS FOODS 4-6 months Add iron enriched baby cereals. 6-8 months Add strained fruit & vegetables. 8-10 months Add meats, fruit juices, egg yolk, yogurt. 10-12 months Add soft mashed table foods, crackers, cheese strips, other finger foods.
FOOD SUGGESTIONS
The amount of food to give when introduced depends upon appetite. The early introduction of solids may result in an over-weight infant.
One food at a time should be introduced, no more. This allows observation for potential food allergies, food sensitivities or digestive reactions. If a food is disagreeable or produces an allergic reaction in the infant, then it should be discontinued. Consult your health care provider if serious reactions occur while introducing a specific food.
Cereals: May be mixed with part breastmilk, formula or with a little warm boiled water. Begin with rice or oatmeal. Read labels and use only naturally-based cereals without added sugars, salts, fillers or preservatives. Add wheat last. Use no sugar when making the cereal. Begin with 1 tablespoon. Then increase to 2 to 5 tablespoons once or twice a day.
Fruits: Begin with mild-flavored fruit such as strained applesauce or a well-mashed banana. Don't add sugar. Begin with one teaspoon and work up to 3 to 4 tablespoons per day. Freshly homemade mashed fruits are best, straining out seeds and fiber. Be cautious about using commercially prepared baby foods as these may contain sugars, salts, fillers and preservatives that are not optimal for your baby.
Vegetables: Begin with mild flavored vegetables such as beans, peas, carrots, and squash. Again, it is best to freshly make homemade mashed vegetables rather than commercially made varieties. Begin with 1 teaspoon increasing to 2 to 3 tablespoons per day.
Meats: Cooked and finely ground beef, lamb, chicken, liver and pork (all without fat). Some babies may not be able to handle meat-based foods until much later due to immature digestive enzyme development. Meats can be difficult to digest. Introduce small amounts initially. If using commercially made preparations, read labels carefully. Avoid baby foods that have salt, sugars, fillers or preservatives.
Eggs: Begin with 1/4 teaspoon hard, cooked yolk (mashed and may be thinned out with breastmilk or formula). Egg white comes later.
NOTE: Bulk herbs are available through Mountain Rose Herbs and Nutritional Supplements are available through Herbal Remedies. To find supplements listed and not listed above, click on the links below:
RELATED LINKS
MoonDragon's Nutritional Recipe Index
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
Educational materials and health products are available through Amazon.com. Use the search box provided below to search for a particular item.
HERBS, OILS, & SUPPLIES
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
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