Food For Baby’s First Year.pdf

Breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond is recommended by pediatricians if mutually desired by mother and child. If infant formula is needed, consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider. Babies not breastfed need formula until 1 year old. In the US, HIV-positive women should not breastfeed due to the risk of virus transmission. If HIV status is unknown, ask a healthcare provider for a test.

Do not feed babies honey, corn syrup, candies, chocolate, or foods with artificial sweeteners. Avoid soda, sweetened drinks, coffee, tea, and baby food desserts. Also, do not feed foods with added spices, seasonings, salt, and fat, such as french fries and breaded fried foods. Cheese made with raw milk, meat spreads, smoked seafood, raw or partially cooked meat, poultry, fish, or eggs should also be avoided.

Infants 6 months and older can eat 1 to 2 servings a week of fish lowest in mercury, such as anchovies, Atlantic mackerel, and salmon. Do not give babies other fish due to mercury content. Check local or state fish advisories if eating fish caught by family or friends.

When feeding a bottle, ensure everything is clean, including hands, kitchen, and equipment. Sterilize new bottles and nipples before first use. Use boiled water to mix infant formula, and follow mixing instructions. Do not add more or less water than instructed.

Warming a bottle is best done by placing it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes, then shaking the bottle. Do not use a microwave oven to heat breast milk or infant formula. Store mixed formula in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and leftover, prepared formula should be thrown out.

Babies need shots to protect them from disease. Bring your baby's shot record to WIC each time. To make pureed baby food, prepare meats, fruits, and vegetables, then boil until soft, cool, and puree. Prevent choking by avoiding foods like popcorn, nuts, and hard cookies. Cut, grind, or mash hard-to-chew foods to reduce choking risk.

Breastfed babies should have 8 to 12 or more feedings per day, while formula-fed babies should have 2 to 3 fluid ounces formula per feeding, 8 to 12 feedings per day. Healthy babies under 6 months do not usually need water bottles. Fruit juice is not recommended for babies under 12 months.

When feeding with a bottle, always hold your baby, and do not put them to bed with a bottle or prop the bottle in their mouth. Start solid foods at 4 to 6 months, and by 7 or 8 months, the daily diet should include a variety of foods, such as cereal, meats, vegetables, fruits, eggs, and fish, in addition to breast milk and/or formula.