For newborns
to maintain their growth and development, proper nutrition is essential. Babies
should only receive breast milk or baby formula that has been fortified with
iron during their first year of life. When the baby is about six months old,
complementary (solid) foods should be introduced. A range of foods from all the
food groups should be included in their diet.
This article discusses
the importance of proper nutrition for infants, along with recommendations for
meal quantity.
You can also read: Beat the Heat for Babies: An Overview of Summer Nutrition Advice for Babies
Malnutrition in Children: Understanding the Causes and Consequences of a Child’s Malnutrition
Raising a Healthy Child: The Importance of Good Nutrition in Childhood
Healthy Eating for Children: How Parents Can Support Their Children in Healthy Eating
Weight Management For Children: How Parents Can Help Their Children To Maintain A Healthy Weight
Why is Proper Nutrition so Important for Babies?
A balanced
intake of nutrients is needed to promote an infant’s growth during the first
few years of life since their body (system) is quickly developing. Healthy
weight gain, cognitive development, and immune system development are just a
few developmental milestones that babies can achieve with proper nutrition.
Furthermore,
when healthy foods are introduced to infants at a young age, they may be more
likely to have a varied and balanced diet as they get older, which can lower
their risk of developing chronic diseases.
Meal Quantity Recommendations for Babies from 0 to 3 Months
The quantity
of formula or breast milk a baby between the ages of 0- and 3 months needs
varies based on their individual needs, however, there are some general
recommendations that can be followed:
Breast Milk
--> Babies who have been breastfed should be fed on demand, which means they should be fed anytime they show signs of hunger, such as chewing, finger-sucking, or smacking noises.
--> Throughout the first few weeks of life, breastfed infants may feed 8 to 15 times a day, for a total of 10 to 30 minutes per feeding.
--> As they grow, the frequency of feedings can go down, but the length of each feeding might go up.
--> According to studies, babies should drink an average of 750 ml of breast milk per day for the first 2 to 4 weeks of life, and between 750 and 900 ml per day at the end of the first month.
Formula Feeding
--> Infants who are formula-fed may drink a little bit more formula than breast milk since formula digests more slowly than breast milk.
--> Depending on their weight, age, and hunger, babies may need different quantities of formula.
--> According to studies, infants should drink a maximum of 950 ml of formula per day.
--> In the first few weeks of life, formula-fed infants may feed every 3 to 5 hours, and as they grow older, the number of feeding may decrease.
Note: These
are just general recommendations, and each baby will require different amounts
of formula or breast milk. Parents should pay attention to their hunger cues
and weight gain to ensure they are getting enough nourishment. It is also
important to consult their child’s pediatrician for further concerns.
Meal Quantity Recommendations for Babies from 4 to 6 Months
Babies can
receive solid foods, also known as complementary foods, at the age of six
months. Many studies suggest that infants should continue to consume breast
milk or formula along with solid foods until they are 12 months old. In
general, for babies between the ages of 4 and 6 months, the following
quantities of complementary foods and formula or breast milk are recommended:
Complementary (solid) Foods
--> Start by feeding a small quantity of soft, mashed, and pureed foods with a single ingredient.
--> Give the baby 1 to 2 Tbsp of food once or twice a day initially, then increase the quantity and frequency as the baby gets used to eating solid foods.
--> As the child grows, give them a range of foods from all the food groups.
Note: Breast
milk or formula should still be the infant’s primary source of nutrition at
this period, so give it before offering solid foods.
Formula or Breast milk
--> According to studies, infants should drink 750 to 950 ml of breast milk or formula per day.
--> Infant’s feeding needs might change depending on their weight, age, and appetite.
--> The baby may gradually take less formula or breast milk as they start eating more solid foods.
Note: Parents
should consult their child’s pediatrician if they have questions regarding
their child’s feeding needs. Also, it is important to gradually introduce new
foods, one at a time, in order to watch for any sign of an allergic condition.
Meal Quantity Recommendations for Babies from 7 to 12 Months
A baby’s transition from breast milk or
formula to solid foods commonly occurs between the ages of 7 and 12 months. To
meet their nutritional needs during this time, it is important to keep giving them
breast milk or formula.
Breast or Formula Milk
At this
stage, babies normally drink 750 to 950 ml of breast milk or formula per day.
Depending on the baby’s needs, this can be divided into 3 to 5 feedings
throughout the day.
Solid Foods
Babies are
ready to explore additional varieties of solid foods, then only pureed fruits
or vegetables, between the ages of 7 and 9 months. In order for the baby to
receive all of the essential nutrients, it is important to ensure that they are
eating a variety of foods. At this age, parents can start the baby self-feeding
with small bits of cooked, soft food and encourage them to use a sippy cup to
drink water.
At this age,
2 to 5 Tbsp of food, given once or twice a day, is the recommended amount of
solid foods. As the baby gets older, gradually increase the amount of solid
food. It is important to pay attention to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues
and avoid pressuring them to eat more than they want.
Finally, from
7 to 12-month-old babies should continue to drink between 750 and 950 ml of
breast milk or formula per day, along with solid foods. It is even more
important to provide a variety of nutrient-dense foods in balance and pay
attention to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues.
Final Thought
In order to
continue their rapid physical and cognitive development, infants need a diet
rich in nutrients. Breast milk or formula provides the bulk of the infant’s
nutritional needs for the first 6 months of life, and it is recommended to
continue it until at least 12 months of age.
Infants
should be gradually introduced to solid foods starting at roughly 6 months of
age. In consultation with their pediatrician, parents should make sure their
child is eating a well-balanced diet that is suitable for their age and
developmental stage.
This article is all about sharing what I learned through raising my child from 0 to 12 months. It is recommended that you consult with your child’s pediatrician if you have any additional queries.