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Feature Articles: Children
Feeding Your NewbornTammy Roberts, MS, RD, LD, Nutrition and
Health Education Specialist in Barton County |
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So many questions about feeding arise when the first child is
born. There are questions about whether to breast or bottle
feed, when to start solids, how do you know if they are eating
enough, and why do they spit up. It is good to be concerned and
conscientious about these things because a significant amount of
growth and development happens in the first year of life. During
the first year, the baby learns how to chew after being born
with only the ability to suck and swallow. By the time they are
a year old, they are not only taking in solid foods but they are
feeding themselves.
One of the first decisions that has to be made is whether to
breastfeed or offer infant formula. Infant formula can provide
adequate nourishment for an infant but many experts recommend
breastfeeding. Breast milk is specially designed for your baby
and is all your infant needs for the first four to six months of
life. Breast milk is easy to digest and is rich in antibodies
that help protect the infant from some types of illnesses and
allergies. Keep in mind that your child benefits even if you
breastfeed for a short period of time.
A breastfed infant generally nurses eight to twelve times
every 24 hours. This is because their stomachs are small and
their nutrient needs great. If your baby has six or more wet
diapers every 24 hours and their weight is increasing to the
doctor’s satisfaction, that’s a good indicator your baby is
getting enough to eat.
If you choose infant formula for your baby, iron fortified
formula is recommended. Iron helps to form red blood cells that
transport oxygen throughout the body and is also necessary for
brain development. Infants are born with iron stores that last
around four months but iron fortified formula helps prevent iron
deficiency anemia. During the first four months, the infant
usually eats 6-8 times per day and consumes 18-32 ounces of
formula. It really doesn’t matter whether the infant formula is
warmed or cool. The baby will drink it however you decide to
prepare it but it is best to be consistent.
Spitting up is common in infants. It can be caused by trapped
air from burping, overfeeding, too much movement during feeding
or laying the baby flat after eating. To help control spitting
up, burp the baby often during feeding, listen to the baby’s
cues that they are full to control overeating and keep the
infant upright for 15 minutes after feeding.
After four to six months the baby is usually ready to start solid foods but breastfeeding or infant formula is recommended for the first 12 months.
Last update: Tuesday, August 15, 2006
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