Infant Nutrition 101: A Guide
Babies have very specific nutritional requirements. This is why new parents must understand infant nutrition and make the right nutritional choices to promote their newborn’s health and growth.
Read on to learn all the essentials of infant nutrition and how you can make the right nutritional decision for your baby.
What Nutrients Do Infants Need?
Infants require these nutrients to stay healthy:
· Folate: Used in cell division
· Calcium: Utilized in the development of teeth and bones
· Fat: Provides the baby with energy, promotes brain development, protects the baby against infections, and keeps the hair and skin healthy.
· Zinc: Ensures healthy cell growth
· Iron: Promotes brain development and helps build blood cells.
· Proteins and carbohydrates: Used in creating energy and fueling growth
· Vitamins: Newborns require several essential vitamins, such as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, etc.
Nature’s Perfect Food – Breastfeeding
Breast milk provides babies with the perfect combination of enzymes, antibodies, and other important nutrients that build the baby’s immune system and promote healthy development.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a baby should be breastfed for almost six months. This doesn’t just create a special bond between the mother and her baby but also has numerous health benefits.
For successful breastfeeding, make sure you create a quiet and comfortable environment. You will need to learn about proper latch and positioning to ensure that you’re breastfeeding the right way.
If you’re unable to breastfeed, discuss formula-feeding options with your pediatrician. Many modern infant formulas are designed to provide newborns with nutrients that are found in breast milk.
Introducing Solid Food
Your baby will be ready for solid foods when it is around six months of age.
You can begin with pureed fruits and vegetables and even feed single-grain iron-fortified cereals. As your baby becomes accustomed to eating solid foods, you can introduce various food flavors and textures.
Make sure you’re paying attention to signs of readiness. If your baby is sitting up and showing interest in their food, this means they’re ready to explore different tastes and textures.
You can talk to your pediatrician to ask about any allergenic foods so you can avoid them.
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