Your Feeding Guide From Newborn To 1 Years Old

Each year research teaches us more and more about nutrition for infants and toddlers. Things have changed a lot since we were babies. Read on for your feeding guide from newborn to 1.

Birth To 4 Months
The only nutrient will come from milk. The baby's digestive tract is still developing, so solid foods are off limits. You may wonder if your baby is getting enough to eat especially during the first few weeks when feedings can be fussy. Newborns need to nurse often and you should accommodate and feed whenever they are hungry. You can tell if your baby is getting enough to eat by weight gain. If your baby is eating every few hours that’s a good sign.

There are some signs to watch for that may indicate your baby is not getting enough milk. If baby is loosing weight, does not swallow, or your baby is constantly fussy or lethargic. If your baby has dimples in the cheeks or makes clicking noises while nursing watch carefully. If your baby is not wetting or having adequate bowel movements pay attention. You should consult your pediatrician if any of these symptoms are occurring.

4 To 6 Months
During this age there are clues to watch for that your baby is ready to have their diet expanded somewhat. If your baby can hold its head up, sit well in a highchair or makes chewing motions it’s time to introduce solids. If your baby shows interest in food or closes their mouth around a spoon think about starting solids. If your baby seems hungry even after having adequate milk it is definitely time to introduce solids.

Begin with cereal. Mix about 1 teaspoon of dry cereal mixed with 4 to 5 teaspoons of milk until it is runny. You can gradually thicken the consistency as baby gets more accustomed to eating solids.

Begin with a once-a-day feeding, whenever it's convenient for you. Your baby may not eat much at all in the beginning, but give him time to get used to the experience. Sometimes it takes babies a little practice to figure out how to keep food in their mouths and swallowing. Once baby gets used to the new diet, you can gradually increase the thickness and the amount of feedings to about a half-cup of cereal a day before you add other solid foods.

Some babies are very eager to start taking food. If a baby has been hungry adding solids may settle a fussy baby and make them much more content.

6 to 8 Months
By this age babies are anxious to have solids and are ready to try new foods. Continue with the cereal and begin to add puree fruit and vegetables. Start with around 1 teaspoon then gradually work up to a 1/4 cup or so 2 to 3 feedings per day.

Remember some babies will be bigger eaters than others. Don’t force food into your child and certainly don’t overfeed as this causes overweight children. However you also need to make sure they are getting adequate nutrition for their activity level.

8 to 12 Months
Your baby has become a toddler and their diet needs to meet the needs of a toddler. They are more active and they probably even have a tooth or two by now. Milk remains a staple but plenty of other foods can now be part of your toddler’s diet.

You can add small amounts of pasteurized cheese, yogurt, or cottage cheese. Remember no cow’s milk until after 1 year. You can add iron fortified barley, wheat, oats, and mixed cereals. As well as mashed fruits and vegetables. Everything goes for fruits, as long as they are non acidic.

Don’t forget about finger foods. Bananas, crackers, toast or cookies can make good finger foods.

You can also begin to add egg yolk, split peas, and soft members of the bean family such as lentils or pintos. Pureed meats are fine and you can also add non citrus juices.

Try to make eating an enjoyable time for your child. Don’t force too hard for your child to eat foods they don’t care for. Rather mix with something they like or change to a better tolerated food. As your baby gets older you can judge which foods they are ready to have added to your diet. Experiment and let them taste and enjoy a host of new flavors.

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