What foods when?

0-6 Months

Health professionals in Australia now recommend exclusive breastfeeding to around six months as there is concern some carers are introducing solids too early (before four months), reducing the amount of breast milk and therefore reducing the essential nutrients and benefits associated with breastfeeding.

Bottle-feeding and formula

If you are bottle-feeding, you are just as capable of bonding, having cuddles, eye contact and a loving relationship with your baby.

• Expect to demand feed by offering your baby formula each time they are hungry.
• In the first few weeks, your baby may take as little as 60ml at a feed. This will gradually increase to 150ml, then 180ml, and possibly to 200ml, by the time your baby is six months old.
• Your baby will need 150ml of formula daily for each kilogram they weigh.
• Be sensitive to your baby's hunger, they may not finish the bottle every time.
• Once you have introduced solid food, your baby may need less formula - about 120-150ml per kg per day.
• Be sure to use sterile feeding equipment and water, and wash your hands before making formula. Different varieties require different ratios of formula to water, so check the instructions carefully.
• Many varieties of formula are available. If you are unsure which one to choose, check with your doctor, dietician or child and family health nurse.
• Never substitute cow's milk for infant formula as it is not nutritionally balanced for growth and is too high in protein and salt for a baby's kidneys, and does not offer the correct balance of fats for a baby's growth.
• Never add solid food such as infant cereal to your baby's bottle, as they need to establish the difference between food and drink.

When is an infant ready to begin solid foods?

Some of the signs your baby is ready to start on solids (at around six months) are:

 

• They can hold their head up.
• They show interest in what the family eats and grab for food.
• The tongue-thrust reflex (where they poke their tongue out when offered food) will have ceased.
• They look for more food after a full feed.

Remember, not all babies develop at the same rate so if your child doesn't appear ready, don't rush it - their time won't be far off.

What foods should be introduced?

Although there are no set rules, the introduction of foods generally starts with iron-enriched infant cereals and cooked, pureed vegetables and fruits. Meats, poultry and fish are added gradually after six months as your baby is better able to tolerate the protein at this age. Do not add salt or strong spices.

An increasing range and quantity of food should be offered to provide more energy and ensure adequate nutrient intake. By age 12 months, your baby should be consuming a wide variety of family foods, even though they may be pureed or mashed, to help form the foundations of healthy eating habits.

For More Infomation go to http://infant.goldencircle.com.au/feeding/feeding.cfm