Infant feeding and Nutrition
Breast feeding is an important and initial aspect of infant feeding.
Infants are first put on mother’s milk, especially colostrums, the first milk. It is a natural phenomenon, initially unknown to the infant. Perseverance and patience from the mother's side is essential, for the baby to benefit. The position and the attitude during a feed enhances the bonding established between the mother and child. Suckling results in the 'let down' reflex, triggering milk production.
Colostrum is a yellowish, thick, sticky substance secreted, prior to milk production. It is rich in antibodies, helping to ward off infection. It is also a concentrated source of minerals and proteins.Advice is available from everybody around, for a new born infant. A physician’s guidance is more recommended and reliable, though age old techniques might help, at times.
Nipple chewing is an indication of the child wanting solid foods. Weaning foods are commenced from the fourth month. This is because of its inability to digest solid foods, prior to this. This also decreases the risk of food allergies. In addition to the mother’s milk, these foods aim at targeting the other necessities of a growing infant, such as, improving muscle tone and coordination. Weaning foods, such as mashed fruits, soft double-cooked cereals, cooked potatoes and yoghurt are recommended. Iron fortified nutrition is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, and thereby enhancing the oxygen and nutrients carrying capacity. Finger foods (apple slices, peas, carrot slices) are introduced in the eighth month, to enable their eye-hand coordination. Foods like spinach, fish, berries, corn and wheat might result in allergic reactions. These are made a part of the meal, after 9 months, when they are comfortable.Take your time to adjust with the child’s varying requirements. Introduce one food at a time to improve infant nutrition. Mash them properly and sieve them for bigger pieces.
Carbohydrates are needed to compensate for the energy breakdown. Proteins and amino acids are essential for growth and infant development. They are also required for connective tissue growth. Breast feeding poses the advantage of easily available, cost effective and sterile milk, possessing all the essential nutrients, in comparison. It also saves the mother from a variety of diseases, such as, colon cancer. Infant formula available commercially in the market is of different features. They are not affordable by every part of the community. Proper sterilization of bottles is required, in the case of artificial feeds. Measuring feeds is another issue, in the case of bottle feeds.
Infants are first put on mother’s milk, especially colostrums, the first milk. It is a natural phenomenon, initially unknown to the infant. Perseverance and patience from the mother's side is essential, for the baby to benefit. The position and the attitude during a feed enhances the bonding established between the mother and child. Suckling results in the 'let down' reflex, triggering milk production.
Colostrum is a yellowish, thick, sticky substance secreted, prior to milk production. It is rich in antibodies, helping to ward off infection. It is also a concentrated source of minerals and proteins.Advice is available from everybody around, for a new born infant. A physician’s guidance is more recommended and reliable, though age old techniques might help, at times.
Nipple chewing is an indication of the child wanting solid foods. Weaning foods are commenced from the fourth month. This is because of its inability to digest solid foods, prior to this. This also decreases the risk of food allergies. In addition to the mother’s milk, these foods aim at targeting the other necessities of a growing infant, such as, improving muscle tone and coordination. Weaning foods, such as mashed fruits, soft double-cooked cereals, cooked potatoes and yoghurt are recommended. Iron fortified nutrition is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, and thereby enhancing the oxygen and nutrients carrying capacity. Finger foods (apple slices, peas, carrot slices) are introduced in the eighth month, to enable their eye-hand coordination. Foods like spinach, fish, berries, corn and wheat might result in allergic reactions. These are made a part of the meal, after 9 months, when they are comfortable.Take your time to adjust with the child’s varying requirements. Introduce one food at a time to improve infant nutrition. Mash them properly and sieve them for bigger pieces.
Carbohydrates are needed to compensate for the energy breakdown. Proteins and amino acids are essential for growth and infant development. They are also required for connective tissue growth. Breast feeding poses the advantage of easily available, cost effective and sterile milk, possessing all the essential nutrients, in comparison. It also saves the mother from a variety of diseases, such as, colon cancer. Infant formula available commercially in the market is of different features. They are not affordable by every part of the community. Proper sterilization of bottles is required, in the case of artificial feeds. Measuring feeds is another issue, in the case of bottle feeds.
Breast Feeding
Breast feeding is an important aspect of a child’s development.
Breastfeeding by women who are devoid of illnesses is preferable, as it is beneficial, both to the infant and the mother. Breast milk is rich in a series of nutrients striking a balance, keeping the baby fit and healthy. It helps in protecting the infant from some diseases. Lactating mothers are at decreased risk for cancer. Mothers suffering from tuberculosis or HIV infection or those on alcohol or certain drugs should abstain from breast feeding.
Feeding of a child from a mother’s / woman’s breasts is referred to as breast feeding. Suckling reflex helps in sucking the milk from its mother’s breasts and drinking them. It is a wholesome source of nutrients. An infant is breast fed either from the breasts or by expressing the milk and feeding in a bottle. It is beneficial for infant development.
The quantity of water, fat, protein and sugar in mother’s milk is in right proportion, and is apt for the infant’s growth and development. They are easily digestible, being safe for the digestive system and comprises of antibodies that helps to ward off infection by invading the bacteria and virus. When drunk from breasts, it is sterile. Breast milk is available at the right temperature and is readily available. Infant nutrition paves way for further development. Breast-fed infants have a reduced probability of SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other diseases. Teeth growth and speech development is improvised by breastfeeding. It has a proper balance of nutrients and sleep apnea is also prevented by breast milk. The ordeal of mixing and measuring artificial feeds is prevented. Physical contact improves the bonding between the mother and infant and provides a feeling of warmth. Improper sterilization of bottles causing infection is avoided. The extra weight gained during pregnancy is shed, as lactation uses up some amount of energy. The size of the uterus is regained and lessens bleeding, if any. The probability of ovarian and breast cancers are reduced.Proper overall development takes place. Premature breast fed infants also fare well, when compared to those fed on artificial feed.
Breast fed infants have a better I.Q than those fed on formula. Immediate attention is provided by a lactating mother. Reduced risk of osteoporosis and pelvic fractures is seen to occur on those women who breast fed. It helps the child feel at ease, providing all the comfort. Breast feeding improves the self-confidence and increases the bonding with the child. Breast feeding is also beneficial to the society, as it reduces the infection and thereby the hospitalization and prescription. A productive workforce occurs, as, children are healthy, devoid of infection.
Breastfeeding by women who are devoid of illnesses is preferable, as it is beneficial, both to the infant and the mother. Breast milk is rich in a series of nutrients striking a balance, keeping the baby fit and healthy. It helps in protecting the infant from some diseases. Lactating mothers are at decreased risk for cancer. Mothers suffering from tuberculosis or HIV infection or those on alcohol or certain drugs should abstain from breast feeding.
Feeding of a child from a mother’s / woman’s breasts is referred to as breast feeding. Suckling reflex helps in sucking the milk from its mother’s breasts and drinking them. It is a wholesome source of nutrients. An infant is breast fed either from the breasts or by expressing the milk and feeding in a bottle. It is beneficial for infant development.
The quantity of water, fat, protein and sugar in mother’s milk is in right proportion, and is apt for the infant’s growth and development. They are easily digestible, being safe for the digestive system and comprises of antibodies that helps to ward off infection by invading the bacteria and virus. When drunk from breasts, it is sterile. Breast milk is available at the right temperature and is readily available. Infant nutrition paves way for further development. Breast-fed infants have a reduced probability of SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other diseases. Teeth growth and speech development is improvised by breastfeeding. It has a proper balance of nutrients and sleep apnea is also prevented by breast milk. The ordeal of mixing and measuring artificial feeds is prevented. Physical contact improves the bonding between the mother and infant and provides a feeling of warmth. Improper sterilization of bottles causing infection is avoided. The extra weight gained during pregnancy is shed, as lactation uses up some amount of energy. The size of the uterus is regained and lessens bleeding, if any. The probability of ovarian and breast cancers are reduced.Proper overall development takes place. Premature breast fed infants also fare well, when compared to those fed on artificial feed.
Breast fed infants have a better I.Q than those fed on formula. Immediate attention is provided by a lactating mother. Reduced risk of osteoporosis and pelvic fractures is seen to occur on those women who breast fed. It helps the child feel at ease, providing all the comfort. Breast feeding improves the self-confidence and increases the bonding with the child. Breast feeding is also beneficial to the society, as it reduces the infection and thereby the hospitalization and prescription. A productive workforce occurs, as, children are healthy, devoid of infection.
Cow’s Milk for Infants
Nutritionally the first year of life is very critical for a baby and they deserve the best available food options.
Exclusive breast feeding should be the primary option as it forms the basis of an ideal nutrition and is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for the first six months after birth. Cow’s milk is not considered appropriate for infants below one year and American Academy of pediatrics recommends iron-fortified infant formulas over cow’s milk for infants weaned before 12 months of age.
Although cow’s milk forms the basis of nutrition for older children and adults, but due to the following reasons it is not considered appropriate for infants.
Iron deficiency is the most common deficiency among infants, cow’ milk is a very poor source of iron.
Moreover iron present in breast milk is 100% absorbed by the baby compared to cow’s milk.
Ordinary cow’s milk that lacks heat processing required for infant formula can lead to intestinal blood loss in infants.
Besides iron, cow’s milk is also a poor source of vitamin C, vitamin E, essential fatty acids and copper. This can cause vitamin C deficiency in infants fed solely on cow’s milk.
Young infants can not digest the fat present in cow’s milk as it is in very different form then that of breast milk or infant formula. For overweight babies, low fat milk is not the answer.
Also the sodium level in cow’s milk is high, that exceeds the normal daily requirement of sodium of an infant. The potassium levels in cow’s milk are also high that together becomes difficult for an infants system to handle.
Proteins in cow’s milk are approximately 2-3 times higher than that of breast milk or an infant formula.
Cow’s milk allergy among infants is common than an adult. The immune system of an infant sees the high protein level in the cow’s milk as dangerous unconsciously and tries to fight it off. In the process an infant can become irritable and fussy and can get a stomach upset. Milk allergy should not be confused with lactose intolerance as it is very different form milk allergy. (In lactose intolerance the enzymes to digest the milk sugar lactose are lacking and it is rare in infants).It is very important to achieve optimal nutrition in an infant by selecting an appropriate milk source and eventually introducing solid foods to the infant.
Exclusive breast feeding should be the primary option as it forms the basis of an ideal nutrition and is sufficient to support optimal growth and development for the first six months after birth. Cow’s milk is not considered appropriate for infants below one year and American Academy of pediatrics recommends iron-fortified infant formulas over cow’s milk for infants weaned before 12 months of age.
Although cow’s milk forms the basis of nutrition for older children and adults, but due to the following reasons it is not considered appropriate for infants.
Iron deficiency is the most common deficiency among infants, cow’ milk is a very poor source of iron.
Moreover iron present in breast milk is 100% absorbed by the baby compared to cow’s milk.
Ordinary cow’s milk that lacks heat processing required for infant formula can lead to intestinal blood loss in infants.
Besides iron, cow’s milk is also a poor source of vitamin C, vitamin E, essential fatty acids and copper. This can cause vitamin C deficiency in infants fed solely on cow’s milk.
Young infants can not digest the fat present in cow’s milk as it is in very different form then that of breast milk or infant formula. For overweight babies, low fat milk is not the answer.
Also the sodium level in cow’s milk is high, that exceeds the normal daily requirement of sodium of an infant. The potassium levels in cow’s milk are also high that together becomes difficult for an infants system to handle.
Proteins in cow’s milk are approximately 2-3 times higher than that of breast milk or an infant formula.
Cow’s milk allergy among infants is common than an adult. The immune system of an infant sees the high protein level in the cow’s milk as dangerous unconsciously and tries to fight it off. In the process an infant can become irritable and fussy and can get a stomach upset. Milk allergy should not be confused with lactose intolerance as it is very different form milk allergy. (In lactose intolerance the enzymes to digest the milk sugar lactose are lacking and it is rare in infants).It is very important to achieve optimal nutrition in an infant by selecting an appropriate milk source and eventually introducing solid foods to the infant.
Formula Feeding
Formula feeding is becoming popular increasingly today and since babies are the sweetest gift from god, they deserve the best of everything that can be proffered to them.
First year in a baby’s life is the most critical especially from a nutritional point of view for amazing changes take place in its body throughout the year and it experiences the speediest growth and development period in its lifetime. These changes are not only external but internal within its vital organs like brain, heart, kidneys, digestive system etc.
And that is why, it becomes exceedingly important for parents to understand the unique nutritional requirements of infants to keep them healthy, after all it is their first and foremost responsibility.Commonly, a baby receives all nutrients from a single food source or a limited number of sources and, since its nutritional needs are unique and different, careful selection of baby formula is extremely important and it is essential that the balanced and proper nutrients at the right levels are present in that source or sources.Deciding on a method for feeding a baby is ultimately the parent's decision, nonetheless, in making this decision, parents should rely on the advice of the health professionals like physicians and nutritionists as they are extensively trained and can provide sound counseling matching their unique physiologic and metabolic demands of a baby.Breastfeeding is certainly a preferred and suggested method of nourishing a baby as it endows it with proper and balanced nutrients required for growth and development; it does not strain a baby's developing digestive system, kidneys, heart & brain; it’s free from germs & microbes and therefore, keeps baby unaffected; and it involves emotional growth of child as well. However, at the same time, the diet of a breastfeeding mother affects not only her own health and well-being, but that of her child, and therefore she should be healthy and should eat an adequate and nutritious diet to ensure the quality and quantity of her milk supply.
Strict dieting, indulging in sweets and any consumption of alcoholic beverages are all prohibited for breastfeeding women as a breast-fed baby receive a portion of everything consumed by the mother.With the advancement in the ingredients of baby formula, the parents can very easily supplement the breastfeeding with it. Baby formula is certainly a good supplement to breastfeeding provided it has proper amount of iron, protein and carbohydrates. Iron is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in babies. Requirement of protein can be met with cow's milk or soy. Both these sources support infant growth and development. Please note that the most of baby formula contain lactose as the carbohydrate source though it is not very much desirable as it is probable that some children recovering from gastroenteritis temporarily cannot tolerate the sugar lactose.
Therefore, the babies should not consume lactose.
First year in a baby’s life is the most critical especially from a nutritional point of view for amazing changes take place in its body throughout the year and it experiences the speediest growth and development period in its lifetime. These changes are not only external but internal within its vital organs like brain, heart, kidneys, digestive system etc.
And that is why, it becomes exceedingly important for parents to understand the unique nutritional requirements of infants to keep them healthy, after all it is their first and foremost responsibility.Commonly, a baby receives all nutrients from a single food source or a limited number of sources and, since its nutritional needs are unique and different, careful selection of baby formula is extremely important and it is essential that the balanced and proper nutrients at the right levels are present in that source or sources.Deciding on a method for feeding a baby is ultimately the parent's decision, nonetheless, in making this decision, parents should rely on the advice of the health professionals like physicians and nutritionists as they are extensively trained and can provide sound counseling matching their unique physiologic and metabolic demands of a baby.Breastfeeding is certainly a preferred and suggested method of nourishing a baby as it endows it with proper and balanced nutrients required for growth and development; it does not strain a baby's developing digestive system, kidneys, heart & brain; it’s free from germs & microbes and therefore, keeps baby unaffected; and it involves emotional growth of child as well. However, at the same time, the diet of a breastfeeding mother affects not only her own health and well-being, but that of her child, and therefore she should be healthy and should eat an adequate and nutritious diet to ensure the quality and quantity of her milk supply.
Strict dieting, indulging in sweets and any consumption of alcoholic beverages are all prohibited for breastfeeding women as a breast-fed baby receive a portion of everything consumed by the mother.With the advancement in the ingredients of baby formula, the parents can very easily supplement the breastfeeding with it. Baby formula is certainly a good supplement to breastfeeding provided it has proper amount of iron, protein and carbohydrates. Iron is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in babies. Requirement of protein can be met with cow's milk or soy. Both these sources support infant growth and development. Please note that the most of baby formula contain lactose as the carbohydrate source though it is not very much desirable as it is probable that some children recovering from gastroenteritis temporarily cannot tolerate the sugar lactose.
Therefore, the babies should not consume lactose.
Solid Foods for Infants
Introducing solid foods in a baby’s diet would determine the overall health and life long eating habit of a baby.
It is very important to start solid foods at the right time when the baby is ready for it. Don’t be in a rush to start solid foods as breast milk and infant formulas take care of the infant nutrition for the first 4-6 months. Starting a solid food at this stage might cause the baby to develop food allergies or diarrhea as an infant intestinal track is not as fully developed in the first few months.
The baby in this stage is also unable to express the feeling of fullness and this might in turn lead to unintentional overfeeding. At his stage of life the baby is still learning to swallow foods, thus introducing solid foods can be a potential cause for choking. To detect if the baby is allergic to a particular food, feed one type of food for several days.
Avoid egg whites, cow’s milk or honey till the baby is at least 12 months old. Following are the general guidelines to start solid foods as the baby grows older. Remember that the type and amount of food will vary on daily basis.
4-5 months – Till 6 months of age an infant should be exclusively breast fed. But in case breast feeding is a problem than cereal based iron fortified infant formulas could be started. Introduce these gradually in small amounts to familiarize your baby with solid foods.
6-7 months – Along with breast milk, the cereal based iron fortified nutrition could be given (up to 4 tablespoons). Other baby foods or well-cooked strained and mashed vegetable can also be introduced.
7-8 months – Along with 3-4 feedings of breast milk and formulas, canned, peeled, mashed and cooked fruits can be introduced. Fruit juice diluted with water (1:2 proportions) can also be given.
Mild cheese, egg yolks (no whites as it may cause allergic reaction), soft bite size pieces of foods, finger foods, salted crackers or pastas can also be given.
10-12 months – Along with 3-4 feedings of breast milk and formulas, a baby’s diet will start resembling that of an adults diet with 3 meals and 3 snacks daily. To inculcate good eating habits encourage the baby to eat by himself with other family members. Breastfeed your baby at least till he turns one. There is no specific age when he should be weaned. Wean your child gradually by reducing the amounts of breast feeds when he gives an indication by drinking from a cup. Start cow’s milk only after 12 months of age.
It is very important to start solid foods at the right time when the baby is ready for it. Don’t be in a rush to start solid foods as breast milk and infant formulas take care of the infant nutrition for the first 4-6 months. Starting a solid food at this stage might cause the baby to develop food allergies or diarrhea as an infant intestinal track is not as fully developed in the first few months.
The baby in this stage is also unable to express the feeling of fullness and this might in turn lead to unintentional overfeeding. At his stage of life the baby is still learning to swallow foods, thus introducing solid foods can be a potential cause for choking. To detect if the baby is allergic to a particular food, feed one type of food for several days.
Avoid egg whites, cow’s milk or honey till the baby is at least 12 months old. Following are the general guidelines to start solid foods as the baby grows older. Remember that the type and amount of food will vary on daily basis.
4-5 months – Till 6 months of age an infant should be exclusively breast fed. But in case breast feeding is a problem than cereal based iron fortified infant formulas could be started. Introduce these gradually in small amounts to familiarize your baby with solid foods.
6-7 months – Along with breast milk, the cereal based iron fortified nutrition could be given (up to 4 tablespoons). Other baby foods or well-cooked strained and mashed vegetable can also be introduced.
7-8 months – Along with 3-4 feedings of breast milk and formulas, canned, peeled, mashed and cooked fruits can be introduced. Fruit juice diluted with water (1:2 proportions) can also be given.
Mild cheese, egg yolks (no whites as it may cause allergic reaction), soft bite size pieces of foods, finger foods, salted crackers or pastas can also be given.
10-12 months – Along with 3-4 feedings of breast milk and formulas, a baby’s diet will start resembling that of an adults diet with 3 meals and 3 snacks daily. To inculcate good eating habits encourage the baby to eat by himself with other family members. Breastfeed your baby at least till he turns one. There is no specific age when he should be weaned. Wean your child gradually by reducing the amounts of breast feeds when he gives an indication by drinking from a cup. Start cow’s milk only after 12 months of age.
Soy Based and Special Formulas for Infants
An infant’s healthy nutritional status purely lies in the hands of the parents based on the food choices they make for their little one.
Soy protein based formulas are used for more than 100 years and around 25% of the United State infants receive these formulas. Soy based formulas are used by parents seeking a vegetarian diet for their infants. These formulas are a good choice for infants having cow’s milk protein allergy, galactosemia, lactose intolerance or hereditary lactase deficiency as these formulas are free from cow’s milk protein and lactose.
Infants who experience colic, irritability or emesis are often switched to soy protein based formulas in hope of relieving the symptoms (diarrhea and visible blood in the stool are the major symptoms of cow’s milk protein allergy). But if a true cow’s milk protein allergy is not present then this change is not likely to be successful. Moreover infants with cow’s milk protein intolerance are likely to be sensitive to soy milk as well, as soy itself is an allergen.
Soy based infant formula meets the nutritional requirement of an infant in terms of proteins, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. Infants receiving soy based formulas have shown adequate growth status when compared to those fed on cow’s milk formula. Also serum phosphorus and calcium levels and bone mineralization in infants fed on soy based formulas is similar to that of infants fed cow’s milk protein formula. Soy protein formulas are fortified with additional calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc as they contain 1.5% phytates that interfere with the absorption of these compounds. Studies show that serum phosphorus levels in pre-term infants fed on soy based formula are lower and can lead to osteopenia in these infants, thus soy based formulas are not advisable for pre-term infants. Although soy based formulas are a good choice, lot of concern has been raised regarding its safety due to the presence of phytoestrogens in the form of isoflavones. Isoflavones are phytochemicals with plant estrogenic activity that can interfere with the endocrine and reproductive development of an infant. Only soy milk formulas used routinely have not shown to have value in preventing illnesses and diseases. Thus to minimize unnecessary exposure to any possible unknown risk, use soy protein based formulas when a child cannot tolerate cow’s milk or in the absence of breast milk.
Other special formulas include ready to use formulas, liquid concentrate formulas and powdered formulas which can be lactose free, iron-enriched, extensively hydrolyzed, formulas for pre-mature and low-birth weight babies, human milk fortified or metabolic formulas. Depending on the infants tolerance and need a specialist will recommend a formula for the infant.
Soy protein based formulas are used for more than 100 years and around 25% of the United State infants receive these formulas. Soy based formulas are used by parents seeking a vegetarian diet for their infants. These formulas are a good choice for infants having cow’s milk protein allergy, galactosemia, lactose intolerance or hereditary lactase deficiency as these formulas are free from cow’s milk protein and lactose.
Infants who experience colic, irritability or emesis are often switched to soy protein based formulas in hope of relieving the symptoms (diarrhea and visible blood in the stool are the major symptoms of cow’s milk protein allergy). But if a true cow’s milk protein allergy is not present then this change is not likely to be successful. Moreover infants with cow’s milk protein intolerance are likely to be sensitive to soy milk as well, as soy itself is an allergen.
Soy based infant formula meets the nutritional requirement of an infant in terms of proteins, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. Infants receiving soy based formulas have shown adequate growth status when compared to those fed on cow’s milk formula. Also serum phosphorus and calcium levels and bone mineralization in infants fed on soy based formulas is similar to that of infants fed cow’s milk protein formula. Soy protein formulas are fortified with additional calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc as they contain 1.5% phytates that interfere with the absorption of these compounds. Studies show that serum phosphorus levels in pre-term infants fed on soy based formula are lower and can lead to osteopenia in these infants, thus soy based formulas are not advisable for pre-term infants. Although soy based formulas are a good choice, lot of concern has been raised regarding its safety due to the presence of phytoestrogens in the form of isoflavones. Isoflavones are phytochemicals with plant estrogenic activity that can interfere with the endocrine and reproductive development of an infant. Only soy milk formulas used routinely have not shown to have value in preventing illnesses and diseases. Thus to minimize unnecessary exposure to any possible unknown risk, use soy protein based formulas when a child cannot tolerate cow’s milk or in the absence of breast milk.
Other special formulas include ready to use formulas, liquid concentrate formulas and powdered formulas which can be lactose free, iron-enriched, extensively hydrolyzed, formulas for pre-mature and low-birth weight babies, human milk fortified or metabolic formulas. Depending on the infants tolerance and need a specialist will recommend a formula for the infant.
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