Feeding and Nutrition

Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding it is recommended to feed a baby whenever he or she seems hungry. Most infants will need to be fed every 3-5 hours, with a minimum of every 2 hours. As a baby grows and increases in weight, they will begin to eat more and go longer between feedings.

• In the beginning, a newborn will take 2-4 ounces at each feeding. This amount will increase as your baby grows.
• At two months of age, your baby may be taking 4-5 ounces every 3-4 hours.
• At four months of age, your baby may take 4-6 ounces.
• By six months, your baby may be taking 6-8 ounces every 4-5 hours.

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics introduction to solid foods are not recommended until 4-6 months of age. Below are some signs that your baby may be ready for solid foods :

• Baby can sit up with support and hold head and neck upright.
• Baby can sit comfortably in a highchair.
• Baby has doubled in birth weight (weighing 13lbs or more).
• Baby shows interest in food or what you are eating.
• Baby is teething.
• If your baby still seems hungry after 40 oz of formula per day.

• In the beginning, try breast milk or formula plus an iron-fortified cereal such as rice cereal.
• Begin with two to four teaspoons per day, mix so that the cereal with formula or breast milk so that the consistency is thin and runny.
• You may increase the amount gradually depending on how your baby responds.
• After your baby has success with the cereal, you may try other grains, fruits, and vegetables.
• Foods to begin with include pureed sweet potatoes, squash, applesauce, pears, bananas, and peaches

• Avoid hard foods such as peanuts, uncooked carrots, popcorn, candy, and grapes.
• Avoid the following foods during the first year: peanut butter/nuts, honey, citrus, dairy, wheat, egg white, chocolate, and strawberries.

In the beginning, your baby will eat solid food only once per day. Once he is 6-7 months, he will most likely eat two meals a day as solid food. By eight months, he should eat solid food three times per day. An example of what you baby’s diet may include at eight months is below :

• Breast milk or formula
• Iron-fortified cereal
• Vegetables
• Small portions of protein such as lentils, tofu, poultry and meat