The first year of an infant’s life is extremely crucial as they have a growth spurt. The baby doubles its birth weight by 6 months and triples by a year. To have the right growth, they need ample nutrients and energy. Experts recommend breast milk as the source of infant nutrition for the initial months, with formula as an alternative, and introducing solid foods slowly after six months. Continue reading to know what to do and what not to do in the first year of infants' nutrition.
The essential nutrients babies need to stay healthy and grow are:
● Calcium: To build strong teeth and bones
● Fat: For energy. To protect against infection, healthy hair, skin and brain development
● Folate: For cell division
● Iron: To help brain development and build blood cells.
● Carbohydrates and protein: Needed for energy and muscle growth
● Zinc: For cell repair and growth.
● Vitamin A: For a healthy immune system, hair, skin and vision.
● Vitamin B1: For the body to convert food to energy.
● Vitamin B2: Protects cells from damage and converts food into energy.
● Vitamin B3: Helps the body use protein and fats.
● Vitamin B6: Keeps the immune system and brain healthy.
● Vitamin B12: Helps make DNA (genetic material) and keeps blood cells and nerves healthy.
● Vitamin C: To build muscles, bones, heal wounds and protect against illness and infections.
● Vitamin D: For healthy bones and teeth, and calcium absorption from food. Breastfed babies are given vitamin D as a supplement.
● Vitamin E: Protects against cell damage and strengthens the immune system.
● Vitamin K: To prevent blood clots.
Infant formulas are typically made of cow’s milk and fortified to resemble breastmilk as much as possible so that babies get all the essential nutrients for healthy growth and development.
Cow milk infant formula has:
● Carbs as lactose (milk sugar)
● Protein
● Iron
● Minerals like zinc and calcium
● Vitamins A, B, C, D and E
● Essential fatty acids (DHA and ARA) for the baby’s healthy vision and brain. They are naturally present in breast milk; therefore, infant formulas also contain them.
● Nucleotides, which are building blocks of DNA and RNA, boost the immune system and help develop digestive organs.
● Prebiotics and probiotics help fight infections caused by bacteria and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Babies born before 37 weeks or having a low birth weight require special nutrition. Breastfed babies are recommended a fortifier that adds extra fat, calories, protein, minerals and vitamins. Babies who cannot be breastfed are fed a special formula meant for preterm babies. These contain extra calories, protein, minerals and vitamins.
Infant nutrition food during the first year is critical for their development and growth. Providing the right nutrition during this period promotes health and reduces the risk of illness. There is no right approach to feeding your baby, as every baby is unique. Consult your paediatrician to get general guidelines on what is safe for your baby. Knowing what to avoid or do helps you become more comfortable, trust your judgment and know when to get help. Here is a guideline on the dos and don'ts of infant nutrition.
● Breastfeed or give iron-fortified formula to newborns. The quantity of milk they need depends on various factors. Every baby is unique; the exact amount cannot be predetermined. Know their hunger signs and feed accordingly. Generally, a one-week-old baby may consume 30 to 60 mL per feed, or approximately 600 mL per day. By week 2 or 3, this increases to 60-90 mL per feed, and by 6 months, to 120 mL per feed.
● Newborns get hungry often, but they eat very little at each feeding. If you are breastfeeding, your baby may need to feed every 2-3 hours, resulting in 8-12 feedings per day within the first two months. If feeding formula milk, the baby might need it about 6 to 10 times per day. As they grow, they feed more but less often. Babies take the same volume of milk in a day from week 4 to 6 months, but the number of feeds varies.
● Adjust food expectations based on the baby’s unique needs. Premature babies follow a feeding pattern as per their adjusted age. If the baby has reflux or is not gaining weight, consult your paediatrician for the appropriate feeding schedule and quantity.
● Do not give any other liquids, except breast milk or formula. Babies under 6 months should not be given juice or cow’s milk as they do not provide the ample nutrients the babies need. Plus, it can also upset the stomach.
● Do not give solids early, as it can cause a choking hazard or may cause stomach discomfort.
● Feed the baby soft foods about twice or thrice a day. Start with a single ingredient, iron-rich puree, to check for allergies.
● Cook veggies or hard fruits, puree them and feed about half a cup twice or thrice a day,
● Cook meats until they are soft and mushy. Remove skin and bones before cooking meat.
● Stir formula or breast milk into mashed grains or cereals.
● Cut foods like grapes into small pieces.
● As the baby grows, increase the food quantity.
● Don’t feed honey before the baby turns a year old.
● Don’t offer foods with high levels of salt and sugar to infants, as their kidneys are not yet developed enough to handle them.
● Don’t use packaged purees as they contain additives and preservatives.
● Feed the baby ½ cup of food three or four times a day.
● Instead of mashing food, you can cut soft food items into small pieces.
● Continue breastfeeding when the baby is hungry.
● Make the meal easy for the baby to eat and ensure it is packed with nutrition.
● Include foods that are high in nutrients and energy. Add fruits, vegetables, legumes, and a little energy-rich fat, such as eggs, poultry, fish, or meat, to your baby's diet daily, as they are the best food for babies aged 6-12 months.
● Include a variety of foods daily to ensure you get all the essential nutrients.
● Encourage self-feeding.
● Don’t force-feed new food if the baby spits it out. Try again after a few days.
● Don’t give sugary juices or caffeinated drinks.
● Don't be impatient. Be interactive and talk to the baby to create a calm environment.
Your baby’s first year is a time of growth and development. Nutrition plays a critical role in this, from breastfeeding to introducing solid foods after six months, each phase has many dos and don'ts that parents should be aware of. You lay the foundation for their good physical and mental health, and also teach healthy eating habits early in your baby’s life.
