NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF
THE INFANT
CONCERNS
Malnutrition:
Undernutrition:
 condition in which
 condition in which
one’s diet supplies an
excess, shortage or
imbalance of calories of
one or more nutrients
food is being eaten, but
is continuously lacking
one or more nutrients
required to meet the
body’s needs
When should I introduce solid food to my baby?
 Signs of readiness:
 Pediatrician may say you can start solids any time around 4 to 6
months.
 Until then, breast milk or formula provides all the calories and
nourishment your baby needs – and can handle.
 Infants don‘t have the physical skills to swallow solid foods safely
 Their digestive system simply isn't ready for solids until they're
about 4 months old.
 Note that there's some controversy on this topic:
While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) section on
breastfeeding recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for
the first six months, the AAP's nutrition section and guidelines for
pediatricians recommend starting solids at 4 to 6 months.)
How Do You Know Your Child Is Ready?
Time it right
Babies are usually ready to try solid food between 4 and 6 months, but check
with your baby's doctor beforehand
Watch for signs
Good head control, a growing appetite, and interest in what you're
eating, double their birth weight (13-15 lbs), diminished extrusion
reflex are all indications that your baby is ready to try solids.
Get the gear
A soft-tipped spoon, a bib, a non-breakable dish, and a highchair
are all helpful. You can also use the tip of your finger for pureed
fruits and vegetables.
Start simple
Baby cereal (rice) mixed with formula or breast milk. Then move
on to pureed vegetables sweet potato, or peas, then fruits like
apples or pears.
How do you know, cont.
Expect a mess
Babies aren't known for their table manners, so be prepared for food to land on
the floor, highchair, your baby, and you.
Keep on trying
Don't be surprised if your baby doesn't seem crazy about solids right away.
Keep offering them and your baby will catch on.
How can I tell when my baby's ready for solid food?
Your baby will give you clear signs when he's ready to move
beyond a liquid diet. Cues to look for include:
 Head control.

Your baby needs to be able to keep his head in a steady, upright
position.
 Sitting well when supported.


Your baby needs to be able to sit upright in an infant feeding seat or
highchair to swallow well.
https://www.babycenter.com/2_7-signs-your-baby-is-ready-for-solid-foods_10418639.bc
7 SIGNS Your Baby is Ready for Solid Foods
 Losing the "extrusion reflex.“
 Your baby's mouth and tongue develop in sync with his
digestive system. To start solids, he should be able to:
move food to the back of his mouth and swallow it, instead of
using his tongue to push food out of his mouth.
 Close his mouth over a spoon.

 Significant weight gain.
 He may be ready to eat solids if he's doubled his birth weight,
weighs at least 13 pounds, and is at least 4 months old.
7 Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solid Foods
 Curiosity about food.
 Your baby may begin eyeing or reaching for your food or may
open his mouth if you offer him a spoonful.
 Makes Chewing motions

https://www.babycenter.com/2_how-to-introduce-new-foods-to-your-baby_10418640.bc
Age: 4 to 6 months
 What to feed

Breast milk or formula, PLUS

Pureed vegetables (sweet potatoes, squash)

Pureed fruit (apples, bananas, peaches)

Pureed meat (chicken, pork, beef)

Semi-liquid, iron-fortified cereal (rice)

Small amounts of unsweetened yogurt (no cow's milk until age 1)
Age: 4 to 6 months
 How much per day
 Begin with about 1 teaspoon pureed food or cereal.
 Mix cereal with 4 to 5 teaspoons breast milk or formula. (It will
be very runny.)
 Increase to 1 tablespoon of pureed food, or 1
tablespoon of cereal mixed with breast milk or
formula, twice a day.


If you're giving cereal, gradually thicken the consistency by
using less liquid.
https://www.babycenter.com/2_solid-foods-my-baby-likes-best_10398036.bc
Age: 4 to 6 months
 Feeding tips
 If your baby won't eat what you offer the first time, try again in
a few days.
 Introduce new foods one at a time.
 Wait two or three days, if possible, before offering another new
food. (Wait three days if your baby or family has a history of
allergies.)
 It's also a good idea to write down the foods your baby
samples. If he has an adverse reaction, a food log will make it
easier to pinpoint the cause.
 The order in which you introduce new foods doesn't usually
matter. Your child's doctor can advise you.
Age: 6 to 8 months
 Signs of readiness for solid food
 Same as 4 to 6 months

https://www.babycenter.com/2_5-tips-to-develop-healthy-eating-habits_10418638.bc
Age: 6 to 8 months
 What to feed
 Breast milk or formula, PLUS

Pureed or strained fruits (banana, pears, applesauce, peaches, avocado)

Pureed or strained vegetables (well-cooked carrots, squash, sweet potato)

Pureed meat (chicken, pork, beef)

Pureed tofu

Small amounts of unsweetened yogurt (no cow's milk until age 1)

Pureed legumes (black beans, chickpeas, edamame, fava beans, black-eyed peas,
lentils, kidney beans)

Iron-fortified cereal (rice, oats, barley)
Age: 6 to 8 months
 How much per day

1 teaspoon fruit, gradually increased to 2 or 3 tablespoons in
four feedings

1 teaspoon vegetables, gradually increased to 2 or 3
tablespoons in four feedings

3 to 9 tablespoons cereal in 2 or 3 feedings
Age: 6 to 8 months
 Feeding tips
 Introduce new foods one at a time.
 Wait two or three days, if possible, before offering another new
food. (Wait three days if your baby or family has a history of
allergies.)
 It's also a good idea to write down the foods your baby
samples. If she has an adverse reaction, a food log will make it
easier to pinpoint the cause.
 The order in which you introduce new foods doesn't usually
matter. Your child's doctor can advise you.
Age: 8 to 10 months
 Signs of readiness for solid and finger foods
 Same as 6 to 8 months, PLUS

Picks up objects with thumb and forefinger (pincer grasp)

Can transfer items from one hand to the other

Puts everything in his mouth

Moves jaw in a chewing motion
Age: 8 to 10 months
 What to feed

Breast milk or formula, PLUS
Small amounts of soft pasteurized cheese, cottage cheese, and
unsweetened yogurt
Mashed vegetables (cooked carrots, squash, potatoes, sweet
potatoes)
Mashed fruits (bananas, peaches, pears, avocados)
Finger foods (O-shaped cereal, small bits of scrambled eggs, wellcooked pieces of potato, well-cooked spiral pasta, teething crackers,
small pieces of bagel)
Protein (small bits of meat, poultry, boneless fish, tofu, and wellcooked beans, like lentils, split peas, pintos, or black beans)
Iron-fortified cereal (barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals)

https://www.babycenter.com/2_5-superfoods-and-how-to-serve-them-to-your-baby_10418637.bc






Age: 8 to 10 months
 How much per day
 1/4 to 1/3 cup dairy (or 1/2 ounce cheese)

1/4 to 1/2 cup iron-fortified cereal

3/4 to 1 cup fruit

3/4 to 1 cup vegetables

3 to 4 tablespoons protein-rich food
Age: 8 to 10 months
 Feeding tip
 Introduce new foods one at a time. Wait two or three days, if
possible, before offering another new food. (Wait three days if
your baby or family has a history of allergies.) It's also a good
idea to write down the foods your baby samples. If he has an
adverse reaction, a food log will make it easier to pinpoint the
cause.
Age: 10 to 12 months
 Signs of readiness for other solid foods
 Same as 8 to 10 months, PLUS

Swallows food more easily

Has more teeth

No longer pushes food out of mouth with tongue

Tries to use a spoon
Age: 10 to 12 months
 What to feed








Breast milk or formula PLUS
Soft pasteurized cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese (no cow's milk until
age 1)
Fruit mashed or cut into cubes or strips
Bite-size, soft-cooked vegetables (peas, carrots)
Combo foods (macaroni and cheese, casseroles)
Protein (small bits of meat, poultry, boneless fish, tofu, and wellcooked beans)
Finger foods (O-shaped cereal, small bits of scrambled eggs, wellcooked pieces of potato, well-cooked spiral pasta, teething crackers,
small pieces of bagel)
Iron-fortified cereals (barley, wheat, oats, mixed cereals)
Age: 10 to 12 months
 How much per day
 1/3 cup dairy (or 1/2 ounce cheese)

1/4 to 1/2 cup iron-fortified cereal

3/4 to 1 cup fruit

3/4 to 1 cup vegetables

1/8 to 1/4 cup combo foods

3 to 4 tablespoons protein-rich food
Age: 10 to 12 months
 Feeding tip
 Introduce new foods one at a time.
 Wait two or three days, if possible, before offering another new
food. (Wait three days if your baby or family has a history of
allergies.)
 It's also a good idea to write down the foods your baby
samples. If she has an adverse reaction, a food log will make it
easier to pinpoint the cause.

https://www.babycenter.com/2_how-to-make-baby-food-at-home_10345849.bc
WEANING
 Important sign of baby’s independence when the infant moves
from breast or bottle feeding to handling a cup.
 Around nine months is average time for weaning, but there is no
set time for this event.
 Let the baby decide when weaning should occur. The baby will
show signs of moving to the next step. (pushing away bottle or
breast, showing less interest, preferring finger foods or baby
spoon to breast or bottle

https://www.babycenter.com/2_baby-led-weaning-signs-your-baby-is-ready_10419211.bc

https://www.babycenter.com/2_baby-led-weaning-signs-your-baby-is-ready_10419211.bc
CHOKING HAZARDS
 Note that choking is usually silent, so you're not likely to
notice that your baby is in distress unless you're
watching.
 Tips for preventing choking in young children
 Pay attention:

Supervise young children whenever they're eating. (Kids typically
can't make any noise to alert you that they're choking.) That means
not letting your child eat in the car while you're driving or in the
stroller while you're pushing it. And watch to make sure other
children don't give your child something he could choke on.
 Keep kids seated:

Make sure your child sits while eating. Don't let kids eat while lying
down, walking, playing, or running.
Choking Hazards
 Encourage slow eating:

One way to do this is to make sure your child has a drink on hand
during meals (like water or milk). Encourage sips in between bites to
make sure your child is chewing and swallowing, and not packing her
mouth with food that may cause choking.
 Puree or mash baby food:

Puree or mash food so it's soft enough for your baby to gum or chew.
 Cut finger foods into small pieces:

Once your child is ready for finger foods, the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you cut food into pieces no larger
than 1/2 inch, especially dried fruits and round hard foods, such as
grapes, cherries, and tomatoes. Also, cut hot dogs and sausages
lengthwise before chopping
Choking Hazards
 Cook vegetables:
 Soft-cook veggies such as carrots, broccoli, and green beans
before cutting into small pieces.
Choose snacks wisely:

Don't give kids popcorn, gum, nuts, seeds, hard or sticky
candy, or marshmallows until they're at least 4. (Seeds may be
too small to choke on but can get stuck in a child’s airway and
cause an infection.)
FACTS ABOUT HONEY
 Although honey seems like a wholesome and natural
food to give your infant, don't do it until after she's at
least 12 months old. Honey can contain spores of a
bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, which can
germinate in a baby's immature digestive system and
cause infant botulism, a rare but potentially fatal
illness.
 These spores are usually harmless to adults and
children over 1 year old, because the microorganisms
normally found in the intestine keep the bacteria
from growing.