24
AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE B a b y s B e s t S t a r t

AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    5

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE

Baby’s Best Start

Page 2: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

Table of Contents

Up to Six Months .................................................................................................. 1 Breastfeeding .............................................................................................. 1 Let Baby Decide How Much ...................................................................... 2

Around 6 Months - Starting Solids ..................................................................... 3 How to Introduce New Foods ..................................................................... 3 What Food to Introduce .............................................................................. 4 Sample Menu .............................................................................................. 8

Making your Own Baby Food ............................................................................ 9 Baby Food Textures .................................................................................... 9 Storing Homemade Baby Food ................................................................. 12 Baby Food - Storebought .......................................................................... 13 Warming Baby Food ................................................................................. 14

Finger Feeding .................................................................................................... 15

Common Concerns ............................................................................................. 16

Food Allergies ........................................................................................... 16 Baby's Growth ........................................................................................... 16 How can I protect my baby's teeth? .......................................................... 16 Spitting Up ................................................................................................ 16 Trouble Burping ........................................................................................ 17 Not Sleeping Through the Night ............................................................... 17 Constipation and Diarrhea ........................................................................ 18

Division of Responsibility ................................................................................... 20

Page 3: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

1

Up to Six MonthSBreastfeeding

For the first six months the only food your baby needs is breastmilk. All healthy full term breastfed babies should receive a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU (10 mg). For more information on supplements, contact your doctor or your Public Health Dietitian.

Benefits of breastfeeding include:

• breastmilk has the right amount of nutrients

• helps protect against allergies and infections

• breastmilk is easy to digest

• costs little

• breastmilk is safe, fresh and at the right temperature

• there is no need to worry about overfeeding

• helps build the special bond between mother and baby

• protects against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by up to 73%

Did you know? Surveys have shown how much money breastfeeding can save you during baby's first 6 months. The cheapest formula costs almost $500 whereas the cost for the extra food that a nursing mother needs to breastfeed is approximately $166. That's a savings of over $334 in 6 months.

The longer you breastfeed, the greaterthe benefits for you and your baby.

Call the Health Unit at 519-352-7270 for more information about breastfeeding.

Page 4: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

2

Let Baby Decide How Much

Let your baby decide how much and how often to feed. His or her appetite will change from one feeding to another and he or she will be hungrier during growth spurts.

Growth spurts are common around 10 days, 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months. Breastfeeding babies will feed at least 8 times every 24 hours or every 11/2 -3 hours from birth to 6 months.

The length of the feed will vary depending on the baby's age and how well your baby is latched on. The average feed is about 20 minutes.

The amount of milk your baby will take will gradually decline from 6-12 months. It is possible and healthy to breastfeed your child for 2 years and beyond with the addition of foods from 6 months on.

Page 5: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

3

AroUnd Six MonthS - StArting SolidSStarting Solids

Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until your baby is around six months to give solids:• early introduction can interfere with a good milk supply• baby will be able to take food better from a spoon, and let you know when

they are full• breastmilk offers all that is needed during that time

It is important to start solids around 6 months to help avoid problems with feeding like refusal of solid foods.

How to Introduce New FoodsMany parents wonder if foods should be avoided because they may cause allergies. But did you know that waiting to offer foods that most commonly cause allergy is NOT recommended as a way to prevent food allergies? Common food allergens such as fish, whole eggs, wheat, soy and dairy products other than milk can be introduced to your baby at around 6 months of age. Try one new food per day and wait two days before starting another food.

If there is a family history of a food allergy, please talk to your health care provider for specific recommendations.

Note: All nuts, seeds or fish with whole bones are choking hazards. Never feed whole nuts, seeds, thick spreads or spoons of nut butter or fish with whole unmashed bones to infants.

Below are some tips for introducing new foods:• Try new foods when your baby is happy and you are not rushed. Baby may accept a

new food better if offered along with his favourite foods.• Offer new foods one at a time, a few days apart. This way, if a food doesn't agree

with your baby, it will be easier to tell which food caused the problem.• Pushing your baby to eat a new food may cause your baby to dislike it. If your baby

refuses a new food, try it again in a few days.• Offer solid foods AFTER your baby is breastfed. Breast milk contains more calories and

nutrients and should still be the main source of food for your baby at 6 months.• Feed your baby from a dish, not the original container/jar.• Using a spoon, start with a small amount (1-2 teaspoons) at first and slowly give a little

bit more. Let your baby decide how much to take.• Let your baby learn the taste of each food by serving it plain. Butter, margarine, salt,

sugar and other sweeteners (honey, molasses and maple syrup) are not needed.

Page 6: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

The first solid foods to feed your baby should be iron-rich.

Some examples of iron-rich foods are:

Meats - beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, liver, lean pork

Fish - salmon, canned light tuna

Meat alternative - eggs, tofu and legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils)

Iron-fortified infant cereal

Iron-rich foods are needed for overall growth and brain development. Around 6 months, your baby needs more iron than breast milk by itself can provide to maintain the body's iron stores. This is why it is important to start with iron-rich foods while continuing to breastfeed after six months. The amount of iron-rich food served will depend on your baby's appetite.

For a sample menu, see page 8.

Meat and Alternatives• Iron-rich foods should be offered two times each day. Start with a small amount, about

1 teaspoon (5 ml) of pureed meat at each feeding. Add more if needed.

• Chicken, turkey, veal, lamb, beef and lean pork are good choices.

• AVOID processed meats such as bologna, ham, wieners or sausage. These are not good choices for your baby.

• AVOID pork or chicken that has been seasoned. These meats have added salt which is not recommended.

• CHOOSE plain meats rather than “dinners” if you use store-bought baby foods. The strained vegetable and meat combinations contain less protein and iron. Instead, you can buy meats and vegetables separately and combine them yourself for better nutritional value.

• Whole eggs can be offered instead of meat. Eggs may be scrambled and mashed or cut finely.

• Talk to your healthcare provider about when to introduce peanut butter. If using peanut butter remember to spread thinly on crackers or toast. Never offer from a spoon.

• LEGUMES such as beans, lentils and split peas are also good sources of iron and protein. They are also high in fibre. Offer a very small amount every other day to prevent gas and cramping

4

WhAt FoodS to introdUce

Page 7: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

5

WhAt FoodS to introdUce

Iron-fortified infant cereal• Offers single grain first before offering mixed cereals.

• Start with runny cereal and gradually thicken the texture as your baby developes better eating skills.

• Never put baby cereal in a bottle. Feed only from a bowl with a spoon.

Once your baby is eating iron-rich foods twice a day, you can start introducing other solid foods. Milk products and whole grains

may also be offered when baby is eating a variety of foods.

Vegetables• Offering vegetables before fruits may decrease the chance of baby expecting

all foods to taste sweet and rejecting the taste of foods that aren't as sweet.

• Choose vegetables such as squash, peas, sweet potatoes, green or yellow beans to start. Include other dark green and orange vegetables daily. Kale, broccoli or asparagus can be offered to add variety.

Fruit• Frui t such as apples, pears, peaches, apricots, plums or

bananas are good first choices. Try other fruits like mango papaya, berries, melon and pineapple for added variety. AVOID commercial fruit desserts. They contain extra sugar and fillers that your baby doesn't need. It is better to give pure fruit.

Grains• Once your baby is starting to self-feed, try toast strips of bread, bagels or

pita, and small plain "o" shaped cereals.

Page 8: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

6

Milk Products

After meats have been offered and well accepted, you can offer your baby milk products like cottage cheese, yogurt and shredded cheese which are healthy choices.

*** WAIT until 9-12 months before giving your baby cow's milk. ***

• If your baby is not eating a variety of iron-rich foods like baby cereal and meat, it may be better to wait until closer to 1 year to offer cow's milk.

• Start with homogenized cow milk (3.25% M.F.). This is also know as homo milk.

• Do not offer skim, 1% or 2% before 2 year of age.

Milk products add variety to your baby's diet but should NOT replace breastmilk.

Beverages and Other MilksOffer fluids other than breastmilk from an open cup. This will help your baby to develop their drinking skills.

Soy, rice, almond milk and other vegetarian beverages are NOT recommended during the first 2 years. Even when they are foritified, these drinks are missing important nutrients.

Goat's milk is not recommended before 9 to 12 months. Be sure the milk is pasteurized. Unpasteurized milk is NOT recommended because it can contain bacteria that can make your baby ill.

Evaporated milk is NOT recommended. It is low in nutrients and hard for your baby to digest.

Page 9: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

7

Fruit Juices and Sweetened Beverages

Once your baby is used to fruit, you may offer your baby fruit juice, but it is not necessary.

• Make sure to choose only 100% pure fruit juice. Avoid juices that say punch, beverage, cocktail or drink.

• Do not give more than 1/2 cup (125ml or 4 oz.) of fruit juice per day. Juice should not replace breastmilk or formula in baby's diet. Too much juice may cause diarrhea or replace more nutritious foods in the diet.

• Juice can be diluted with water or not. Keep in mind diluted juice still contains sugar and drinking it throughout the day, instead of plain water can increase the risk of dental cavities.

• READ LABELS. Fruit flavoured drinks and mixes are high in sugar and low in vitamins. They are not good choice for baby.

Page 10: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

Sam

ple

Men

u Pl

an

Age

6 m

onth

s 7 m

onth

s

8 t

o 9 m

onth

s10 t

o 12 m

onth

s12

mon

ths &

beyo

nd

Early

Mor

ning

Brea

stmilk

or f

orm

ulaBr

eastm

ilk o

r for

mula

Feed

ings

as n

eede

dFe

edin

gs a

s nee

ded

3 m

eals

plus

2 to

3 sn

acks

Brea

stfee

ding

on d

eman

d or

2-3

cups

who

le(h

omo)

milk

per d

ay

Brea

kfas

t2

to 4

Tbs

p. (3

0-60

ml)

infa

nt c

erea

l or m

eat

and

alte

rnat

ive

3-5

Tbsp

. inf

ant c

erea

l or

mea

t and

alte

rnat

ive1-

2 Tb

sp. f

ruit

Brea

stmilk

or f

ormu

la4-

6 Tb

sp. I

nfan

t Cer

eal

2-4

Tbsp

. fru

it

2-4

Tbsp

frui

t4-

6 Tb

sp. i

nfan

t cer

eal

1/2

slice

dry

toas

tBr

eastm

ilk, f

orm

ula o

r who

le (h

omo)

milk

from

cup

Mor

ning

Brea

stmilk

or f

orm

ulaBr

eastm

ilk o

r for

mula

Finge

r foo

d sn

ack

(dry

ce

real

like

Che

erio

s or s

oft

dice

d fru

it or

smal

l che

ese

cube

s)W

ater

, bre

astm

ilk o

r fo

rmula

Finge

r foo

d sn

ack

(dry

ce

real

like

Che

erio

s or s

oft

dice

d fru

it or

smal

l che

ese

cube

s)W

ater

, bre

astm

ilk o

r for

mula

Lunc

hBr

eastm

ilk o

r for

mula

2-4

Tbsp

. (30

-60m

l) ve

geta

ble

1-2

Tbsp

. (15

-30m

l) fru

it Br

eastm

ilk o

r for

mula

Brea

stmilk

or f

orm

ulaor

who

le (h

omo)

milk

2-4

Tbsp

. (30

-60

ml)

mea

tor

coo

ked

legum

es2-

4 Tb

sp. v

eget

ables

2-4

Tbsp

. fru

it

2-4

Tbsp

. (30

-60m

l) m

eat

2-4

Tbsp

. (30

-60m

l) ve

geta

ble

2-4

Tbsp

. (30

-60m

l) fru

itBr

eastm

ilk, f

ormu

la or

who

le (ho

mo) m

ilk fr

om c

up

Aft

erno

onBr

eastm

ilk o

r for

mula

Brea

stmilk

or f

orm

ulaBr

eastm

ilk o

r for

mula

Snac

k - fi

nger

food

Brea

stmilk

or f

orm

ulaor

who

le (h

omo)

milk

Snac

k - fi

nger

food

Supp

er2-

4 Tb

sp. (

30-6

0ml)

infa

nt c

erea

l or m

eat

and

alte

rnat

iveBr

eastm

ilk o

r for

mula

3-5

Tbsp

. inf

ant c

erea

l or

mea

t and

alte

rnat

ive2-

4 Tb

sp. v

eget

ables

2-4

Tbsp

. fru

itBr

eastm

ilk o

r for

mula

Brea

stmilk

or f

orm

ulaor

who

le (h

omo)

milk

4-6

Tbsp

. inf

ant c

erea

l or

2-4

Tbsp

. mea

t 2-

4 Tb

sp. v

eget

able

2-4

Tbsp

. fru

it (3

0-60

ml)

2-4

Tbsp

. mea

t or a

ltern

ative

2-4

Tbsp

. rice

or p

asta

2-4

Tbsp

. veg

etab

le2-

4 Tb

sp. f

ruit

&/or

yog

urt

who

le (h

omo)

milk

Even

ing

Brea

stmilk

or f

orm

ulaBr

eastm

ilk o

r for

mula

Brea

stmilk

or f

orm

ula o

r w

hole

(hom

o) m

ilkBr

eastm

ilk o

r for

mula

or

who

le (h

omo)

milk

Pleas

e no

te: T

his i

s a sa

mpl

e pl

an o

nly.

Child

ren

may

eat

mor

e or

less

than

am

ount

s sug

geste

d. Y

our

child

's gr

owth

is a

goo

d w

ay to

kno

w if

they

are

eat

ing

the

right

am

ount

for t

hem

.30

ml =

1 o

z.15

ml =

1 T

bsp

8

Page 11: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

9

Making Your Own Baby FoodMaking your own baby food can save you money, and allows your baby to eat a wider variety of foods. But remember, homemade baby food is only as healthy as you make it. It is important to cook and store food properly and to be extra careful about cleanliness. Remember, be CLEAN and QUICK.• Clean your hands with warm, soapy water before preparing any food.• Clean utensils (strainer, cutting boards, spoons, etc.) in a dishwasher or

hand wash them using hot soapy water and allow to air dry.• Cover the food once it has been cooked and refrigerate or freeze imme-

diately.

Baby Food TextureThe first solid foods should be thin textured. The texture can then be changed from puréed to mashed, to minced, then to bite sized finger foods.• Puréed means blended until the texture is smooth and does not require

chewing. Think of the texture of a milkshake or cream soup. A blender or food processor can be used to puree foods. See the summary table on page 11 for suggestions on how to prepare purées.

• Mashed is thicker than puréed. You can mash cooked vegetables with a fork or hand blender. Think of the texture of lumpy mashed potatoes.

• Minced means cut or chopped into very small pieces. Think of the texture of canned fish or meat in a pulled pork sandwich.

Making your own baby food can make the change from puréed to mashed foods easier. Begin replacing purées with mashed and minced foods so that your baby learns to chew and get used to different textures. By ten months, your baby should be ready for bite sized pieces of family foods.

Page 12: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

10

Food Amount Liquid Yield

Fruit75-125 ml(1/3 to 1/2 cup)cooked fruit

10 ml (2 tsp.) fruit juice or water if needed

75-125 ml(1/3 to 1/2 cup)

Vegetables200 ml(3/4 cup) cookedvegetables

45 ml (3 tbsp.)vegetable liquid orwater

75-125 ml(1/3 to 1/2 cup)

Meats125 ml(1/2 cup) cooked meat

60 ml (4 tbsp.) water, milk, vegetable water or other liquid

75-125 ml(1/3 to 1/2 cup)

FruitsWash all fruit thoroughly. Remove any seeds, shells and hard ends. Fruits for your baby should be fresh, unsweetened, frozen or canned in their own juice or water. The sugar content of fruits canned in syrup is very high, so these fruits are not a good choice.• Wash, peel and cut fresh fruit into small pieces. Steam or simmer fruit in a

small amount of water until tender. Bananas do not need to be cooked.• Prepare frozen fruit according to package directions.• Canned fruits do not require cooking. They can just be puréed or mashed.

Vegetables Fresh or frozen vegetables are the best choice. Canned vegetables may be high in salt and often become soupy when blended.• Wash, peel and cut fresh vegetables. Steam or cook in a small amount of

boiling water until tender crisp.• Prepare frozen vegetables according to package directions.• Mash or purée vegetables with some of the cooking water.

Serving homemade carrots, spinach, beets or turnips before 6 months of age can make your baby sick.

Page 13: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

11

Meat, Fish and Poultry

You can save a lot of money by preparing your own meat. Choose "seasoned" meat products less often. Many cuts or pork and frozen chicken breasts have added sodium. Check with the meat manger or butcher at your local grocery store if you aren't sure.• Remove any skin or bones.• Cut meat, fish and poultry into small pieces.• Cook until tender and internal temperature of 165˚F (74˚C) has been reached

by placing in boiling water and then simmering. Overcooking will make meat tough and difficult to purée.

• Purée using a food processor or blender, adding enough cooking liquid to get the right texture.

• For a smoother meat texture, mix with a small serving of prepared rice cereal or puréed vegetable.

• Please talk to your healthcare provider about which fish are the best choices. Choose fish that are higher in Omega-3 fats and lower in methyl mercury, such as salmon for example.)

Legumes (Chickpeas, navy beans, split peas)

Legumes are a cheaper alternative to meats. To avoid gas and cramps, introduce legumes in very small servings, no more often than every other day.

Stove Top Method

• Add 1 cup of dried legumes to 3 cups of water. Slowly bring to a boil and boil gently for 2 minutes.

• Remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour.

• Drain and add 3 cups of fresh water to every cup of soaked legumes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 40 to 60 minutes.

• Remove from heat and process to desired consistency by adding 200 mL (3/4 cup) liquid (milk, formula or water) to cooked legumes.

Page 14: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

12

Easy Microwave Method

• Add 1 cup of dried beans to 3 cups water in a microwave safe bowl. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes or until boiling. Stir and microwave on medium (50% power) for 25-35 minutes stirring every 15 minutes until tender.

Storing Homemade Baby Food

Homemade baby food can be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep homemade baby food longer than 3 days, it must be frozen. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months using the "Food Cube" or the "Drop Method".

Food Cube Method

• Place about 2 tablespoons of puréed food in each cube of a clean plastic “pop” out ice cube tray.

• Cover with waxed paper and freeze quickly.

• Pop out cubes and transfer to clear, labelled plastic bags. Make sure all of the air is out of the bag to prevent loss of vitamins. Use one bag for each kind of food. Each cube is a good serving size.

• The cube can then be defrosted and warmed using the directions on the next page.

Drop Method

• Take puréed foods and “drop” spoonfuls onto a clean cookie sheet lined with wax paper. The size of each “drop” depends on how much you think your baby will eat at one meal.

• Cover with waxed paper and freeze the “drops” quickly. When frozen, remove from cookie sheet and transfer to plastic bags as above.

Note: It is safe to freeze previously frozen, uncooked food (like frozen carrots) again after it has been cooked and puréed.

Page 15: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

13

Baby Food - Store-bought

Store-bought

Store-bought baby foods are good choices. They are easy to use and store.

If you use storebought baby foods, choose plain vegetables, fruits and meats. Avoid ones that may contain: sugar in some fruits and desserts; starches and flours to get the right texture; water to get the right thickness. Look at the labels to know what is in the food you are buying.

Using store-bought (commercial) baby foods:

• Choose plain foods so your baby will learn the flavour of foods

• When possible, choose the same foods for your baby that you would buy for the rest of the family instead of special baby foods (e.g. unsweetened 100% juice, unsweetened applesauce, plain yogurt)

• Avoid dinners, desserts and creamed vegetables - they don't contain as much meat, vegetable or fruit as plain foods.

• The first ingredient listed is present in the largest amount, eg. if ingredients for “Beef Stew” are listed as: potatoes, carrots, beef, wheat flour, etc., then serve it as a vegetable rather than as meat.

• Make sure the button on the lid is down and listen for a "pop" when you open a new jar of baby food. This tells you that the food has been stored properly. Never use discoloured baby food.

• Keep partially used jars of baby food tightly covered in the fridge for no longer than 3 days.

• Serve food from a dish, not directly from a jar of baby food.

Page 16: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

14

Warming Baby Food

To heat baby food, place the amount needed in a small container (an egg poacher is good for this) and put the container in a saucepan of warm water. Stir the food and test the temperature before giving it to your baby. Throw away any leftovers from each meal.

To use a microwave oven, follow these simple guidelines:

• Put food in a microwave safe dish.

• Put the food into the microwave and start on a warm setting or the lowest level of heat. Stir and test the food often until it is lukewarm. Stirring will distribute the heat evenly. Do not overheat.

• Be extra careful with food that contains a lot of egg, poultry or meat. Droplets of water in the food heat quickly and form pockets of steam. The result is uneven heating which can spatter or scald when stirred.

• Stir food when you remove it from the microwave.

• Check the temperature of the food before feeding the baby. Test on the back of your hand or wrist. It should feel warm, not hot.

• Do not use baby food jars or other small necked jars to heat food in the microwave, since the jar may break from a buildup of steam.

Don't feed baby food from the jar. Put the food your baby will eat into a feeding bowl and heat it. Throw out any food left in the bowl. This way, leftovers will not be spoiled by your baby's saliva.

Page 17: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

15

Finger FeedingYour baby should be given the opportunity to feed themselves with their fingers or a spoon, whether he/she has a few teeth or none at all. You are the best judge of how well your child will do with increasing textures. Some children will be okay with soft foods that have been cut up into bite sized pieces, or can handle finger foods that may be bigger in size. Some foods like tougher meats may need to be minced a bit longer. Family foods provide new textures and help your baby with chewing, coordination and independence. Offer family food without butter, margarine, sugar and salt. Let your baby enjoy the natural flavour of foods.

When your baby is self-feeding, "practice make perfect". But self-feeding can also make a mess, so be prepared! Placing a sheet of plastic under your baby's highchair will make clean-up much easier.

Always watch your baby carefully at mealtimes. Do not offer foods that your baby may choke on like whole hot dogs, whole grapes, hard candies, gum, and large pieces of raw fruits or vegetables. Popcorn, nuts and seeds, fish with unmashed bones, thickly spread or spoonfuls of nut butter should also be avoided because they are choking hazards.

Try finger foods such as unsalted crackers, melba toast, bread crusts, dry toast, cheese cubes or grated cheese, and pieces of cooked vegetables and soft, peeled fruits (melon, peaches, mangos). Finger foods will help improve your baby's chewing and self-feeding ability.

To prevent infant botulism (a type of food poisoning), do not give your baby honey until 12 months of age.

Poached or baked fish can be fed if all the bones are carefully removed. Avoid fish that may be high in methyl mercury like fresh/frozen tuna, shark, swordfish, marlin, orange roughy and escolar! Check with your health care provider about the safety of fish from local lakes and rivers.

Page 18: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

16

coMMon concernSFood AllergiesFood allergies are more common in babies and tend to go away before school age. Symptoms of food allergy may include diarrhea, vomiting, skin rashes or hives and breathing problems.While true food allergy is rare, if one or both parents have allergies it can increase the risk of allergies in your child. Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you have questions.

Baby's GrowthTalk to your doctor, public health nurse or dietitian if you are worried your baby isn't growing the way you think they should.If you think your baby is getting too fat, first check with your doctor. Some healthy babies may have rolls and pudgy cheeks - it's normal. With your doctor, public health nurse or dietitian review the amount of solids and total amount of milk in his diet. Try to get your baby to be more active by playing with him. Remember that cuddling and play are great rewards. Crying does not always mean feed me!

How can I protect my baby's teeth?• Hold your baby while feeding.• Put your baby to bed without a bottle or fill the bottle with water.• Offer your baby a cup as soon as he or she can sit up alone.• Use a damp washcloth to clean your baby's mouth after each feeding.• When their first teeth come in use an infant toothbrush with a smear of

toothpaste twice a day.• Arrange their first dental visit just after their first birthday.• Lift the lip weekly to check for white or brown spots on your baby's teeth.

Spits Up Milk Regularly …It is common for babies to spit up small amounts during the first 6 months. The cause is generally gas, drinking too fast, overfeeding or too much activity after feeding.

Page 19: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

17

To help reduce the amount of spitting up, try to:• burp your baby gently, half way through and at the end of the feeding;• if using bottles ensure that the holes in the bottle nipples are not too big or too

small, or the baby will take in too much air;• keep him fairly upright, so that the bottle is nearly horizontal when

it’s in his mouth. The milk won’t pour into him automatically, and he’ll have much more control. You may hear him sucking some air, but it will just come out his nose;

• make sure your baby doesn't get too hungry so he/she won't drink too quickly;

• be aware of when your baby is full so he/she is not forced to overeat;• put your baby in a semi-sitting position (more upright than the usual position)

after feeding;• avoid excitement and too much activity after eating;• talk to your doctor if these tips don't help and spitting up seems excessive. Trouble Burping . . . Some babies burp, others don't. Some will need to be burped half way through a feeding. If your baby has a problem burping, change the baby's position to raise the air bubble in her stomach.

Following are three methods often used to help babies burp:1) hold baby at your shoulder and gently pat the middle of her back.2) sit with baby in sitting position on your lap, put one hand under her chin and the other on her back, gently pat her back.3) place your baby on her tummy for a few seconds then bring her to your shoulder and gently pat her back.

Not Sleeping Through The NightMost babies wake up during the night for at least one feeding in the first 3 months. 2/3 of breastfed babies will wake up for a feed in the first 6 months. Their stomachs are small and cannot hold very much milk.

Page 20: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

Solids before 6 months won't help your baby sleep through the night. It may make matters worse. They can cause digestive problems. Never add cereal to a bottle. Solids come on a spoon when your baby is ready for them at 6 months.

Constipation . . . Constipation is when baby has trouble passing a hard stool. It is not the num-ber of times baby has a bowel movement. It is extremely rare for the exclusively breastfed infant to be constipated. Breastfed babies should have 3-5 bowel movements a day until they are 4-6 weeks old. After that most babies will have at least 1 bowel movement per day. However, because breastmilk is digested so well, there is often very little waste and it is not uncommon for an exclusively breastfed baby to go up to a week or longer without having a bowel movement. As long as the next bowel movement is soft, there is no need to be alarmed.

If your baby is formula fed and becomes constipated, make sure formula is being made using manufacturer's directions. For babies over 6 months eating solid foods, prune juice or plum puree as the fruit serving, once a day may be recommended.

Never use castor oil, mineral oil, laxatives, suppositories or enemas without your doctor’s advice.

Acute Diarrhea . . . Diarrhea is a common childhood problem. In most cases it is mild and brief. It can be an early sign of illness, food poisoning, food allergy or intolerance.

Call your doctor immediately if:

• your child starts to throw up and is still vomiting after 4 to 6 hours

• your child has bloody or black stools

• diarrhea continues for more than 3 days

• there are signs of dehydration: sunken eyes, lack of tears when crying, dry mouth and tongue, sunken soft spot on baby's head, greyish skin colour, weight loss and few wet diapers

18

Page 21: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

19

The most important thing you can do is to make sure your babyis drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration

If your baby is less than six months old and breastfed, continue to breastfeed on demand to help replace fluids and to provide healing antibodies.

If your baby is formula fed or your doctor recommends clear fluids, you can buy products like Pedialyte and Gastrolyte from the drugstore. They should only be used for 8-24 hours, then return to your usual formula. Home remedies like pop, fruit drinks, jello and broth are not recommended.

If your baby is older than six months, continue to offer solid foods if he seems hungry. Although your baby may not feel like eating, it is important that he drink as much as possible.

Remember: Fussiness is not always a sign of hunger.Children may not always be hungry when they are upset.

Try a variety of ways to soothe a child to learn what works.

Page 22: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

20

WhAt noW? My baby is turning one year old.

Get a copy of Are My Kids Eating Okay by calling the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit

at 519-352-7270

A guide for parents of children 1-5 years old.

ellyn SAtter'S diviSion oF reSponSibility in Feeding For inFAntS

• The parent is responsible for what food to offer, when to offer meals and where the child will eat.

• The child is responsible for which foods to eat and how much.

The parent helps the infant to be calm and organized, then feeds smoothly, paying attention to information coming from the baby about timing, tempo, frequency and amounts.

Always supervise your child when eating.

Page 23: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

21

iMportAnt reMinderS

Give a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU while breastfeeding.

Start iron-rich foods at 6 months.

Delay cow's milk until 9-12 month. Start with homo milk (3.25% M.F.)

Do not give honey before 12 months.

Delaying allergenic foods doesn't prevent food allergies. Introduce these foodsone at a time, two days apart.

Avoid foods that are choking hazards.

Reference to Health Canada's Guidelinehttp://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/infant-nourisson/index-eng.php

Page 24: AN INFANT FEEDING GUIDE - CK Public Health...Starting Solids Six month old babies still need breastmilk, but they are also ready to try solids. There are many reasons to wait until

Adapted from materials produced by Ontario Public Health Units

Produced and distributed by

519-352-7270

01/2015

RECOMMENDED BOOKS* “ Fearless Feeding, How to Raise Healthy Eaters from High Chair to High School”. Jill Castle, Maryann Jacobsen, Jossey-Bass. 2013

* “Feeding your Baby the Healthiest Foods” . Louise Lambert-Lagacé, Fitzhenry and Whiteside. 2003.

* “How to Get your Kid to Eat”. Ellyn Satter, Bull Publishing Co. Ltd. 2010.

* “Child of Mine”. Ellyn Satter, Bull Publishing Co. Ltd. 2000.

Chatham-Kent