How to make sure my baby gets the right nutrition

Reviewed by: Julie Cunningham, RD, CDCES, IBCLC

Key Takeaways (TLDR):

Feeding Basics: Newborns need frequent, paced feedings, whether breastfed or formula-fed. Understanding hunger and fullness cues is key, and introducing solid foods around six months follows your baby's unique development.
Nutrient-Rich Choices: Focus on age-appropriate foods,transitioning from pureed foods to soft foods to harder foods cut into small, safe pieces. Avoid empty-calorie foods and choking hazards and be mindful of preparing nutritious, easy-to-swallow options, consulting your pediatrician as needed.
Communication with Pediatrician: Regularly check in with your pediatrician, asking questions about breastfeeding, introducing solids, and addressing any feeding concerns. Patience, observation, and professional guidance make the feeding journey smoother for both you and your baby.

Navigating Your Baby's First Year: A Guide to Feeding and Nutrition

Congratulations, new mom! Your little bundle of joy has arrived, and you're embarking on an incredible journey of parenthood. As you navigate the early days, ensuring your baby gets the right nutrition is a key part of promoting their growth and development. Let's dive into what you need to know about feeding your baby in their first year.

Importance of Nutrition in the First Year

Nutrition plays a crucial role in your baby's growth and development during the first year of life. Providing the right nutrients supports their health and reduces their risk of chronic diseases later in life. However, as a new parent, you may have many questions about feeding patterns, the transition to solid foods, and more. The first step is to consult with your pediatrician, who can offer personalized advice based on your baby's unique needs.

Every baby is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to feeding. General guidelines provided by healthcare providers can serve as a starting point, but it's essential to learn about your baby's cues, trust your judgment, and know when to seek help.

How Much Should a Newborn Eat?

Newborns rely on breast milk or formula for their nutritional needs. The amount your baby needs depends on their age, and it's crucial to be aware of age-based milestones. However, keep in mind that each baby is unique, and you should consult your pediatrician for precise guidance tailored to your little one.

Understanding your baby's hunger signs and feeding them in a paced manner is essential to avoid overfeeding. Here's a general guideline for feeding volumes of expressed breast milk, although your baby may take slightly more or less than these amounts:

0 to 24 hours: 2 to 10 milliliters per feed, varies over 24 hours
24 to 48 hours: 5 to 15 milliliters per feed, varies over 24 hours
72 hours: 1 ounce per feed, varies
Day 7: 1 to 2 ounces per feed, 10 to 20 ounces over 24 hours
Week 2 and 3: 2 to 3 ounces per feed, 15 to 25 ounces over 24 hours
1 to 6 months: 3 to 4 ounces per feed, 24 to 30 ounces over 24 hours
6 months and beyond: 3 to 4 ounces per feed, varies (18 ounces+)

Understanding the size of your baby's stomach at different stages is also helpful:

Day 1: 5 to 7 milliliters, size of a cherry
Day 2: 22 to 27 milliliters, size of a walnut
Day 7: 45 to 60 milliliters, size of an apricot
1 month: 80 to 150 milliliters, size of an egg

How Often Do Newborns Eat?

Newborns have tiny tummies and need to eat often. If breastfeeding, you'll likely feed every two to three hours, totaling about eight to twelve feedings in 24 hours. Formula-fed babies may eat a little less frequently, about six to ten times within 24 hours.

As your baby grows, they'll eat less often but consume more at each feeding. The introduction of solid foods typically begins around six months, but breastfeeding or formula feeding continues per your pediatrician's guidance.

Understanding Hunger and Fullness Cues

Your baby communicates hunger through nonverbal cues, which can change during the first year. Look for signs such as putting hands to mouth, opening their mouth, sucking on hands, or seeming alert around food. Recognizing these cues helps you feed your baby before they become upset.

Equally important are signs that your baby is full. Watch for cues like closing their mouth, relaxing their hands, turning their head away, or pushing the food away. Follow your baby's cues and let them stop eating when they've had enough, preventing issues like stomach pains or excessive spitting up.

Introducing Solid Foods

Around six months, you can introduce solid foods to your baby. Signs they're ready include sitting upright, good head control, reaching for food, and showing interest as you eat. Your pediatrician may recommend starting with single-ingredient foods, and waiting three days before introducing another new food. Be vigilant for signs of allergic reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

Choose baby cereals fortified with iron and offer a variety of options like oat, barley, and multigrain (after your baby has tried all the single-ingredient cereals). Avoid adding cereal to bottles, and use a spoon when your baby is ready, typically at four to six months.

Foods to Avoid and Tips for Preparation

Certain foods should be avoided during the first year due to nutritional concerns or choking hazards. Skip processed foods, including items with added salt, sugar, or seasoning, and avoid whole nuts, popcorn, candy, honey, and cow's milk.

When preparing solid foods for your baby, ensure they're soft and easy to swallow. Cook hard fruits and veggies and mash them, remove bones and skin from meat, and stir breast milk or formula into cereals or grains. Cut round foods into small pieces, and be cautious with rice-based cereals and snacks— they contain higher levels of heavy metals.

Feeding Non-Breastfed Babies

For non-breastfed babies, solid foods become more crucial, and they'll need to eat more often. Begin with two to three spoonfuls of soft, mashed food four times a day at six months. Increase the amounts gradually as your baby grows.

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your pediatrician if your baby refuses solids, experiences loose or mucus-filled stools, eats too little or too much, or if you have any concerns about feeding. If your baby was born prematurely or has a medical condition, consult your pediatrician for tailored advice.

Key Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

When discussing your baby's feeding with your pediatrician, consider asking:

How long should I breastfeed?
What solid foods should I introduce first?
Any tips for preparing foods for easier swallowing?
Do you recommend any supplements like vitamin D or iron?
How should I feed my baby if they have reflux?

Feeding your baby during their first year may be challenging, but with patience, support, and guidance from your healthcare provider, you're well-equipped to navigate this exciting time in your baby's life. Enjoy these precious moments and the delightful messiness of introducing your little one to the world of food!

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The content on this site is for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Discuss any health or feeding concerns with your infant’s pediatrician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay it based on the content on this page.