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WHAT IS THE BEST NUTRITION FOR YOUR BABY?
The nation's pediatricians say feeding your baby doesn't have to be complicated, if you follow a few simple rules. Early on, even the diet choices are simple. Frank Greer, M.D., FAAP, member of the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) Committee on Nutrition, says breastmilk is the optimal choice of nutrition for your baby for the first 12 months. "Human milk is the preferred food for all infants, including premature and sick newborns, with rare exceptions. The only acceptable alternative to breastmilk is iron-fortified infant formula," he says. Dr. Greer says that in general, vitamins and other supplements are not necessary for healthy babies under six months old. However breastfed infants may need Vitamin D, as human milk is deficient in this vitamin, and the infant's supply is dependent on sunshine exposure. Sunshine exposure is limited by increased skin pigmentation, clothing, use of sunscreens, and atmospheric conditions. In addition, new concerns for the development of skin cancer later in life have led to recommendations that infants receive minimal sunshine exposure. If infants are breastfed exclusively for four- to six-months of age, iron supplements may also be necessary . There are also newer, more expensive formulas on the market that are enhanced with fatty acids in an attempt to make them closer in composition to breastmilk. Dr. Greer says you should ask your pediatrician if those are right for your baby. Though these are, in theory, beneficial for babies, any definite long term benefits are not known, particularly for infants who previously received these fatty acids in their mother's milk. Although you don't have to worry much about your baby's diet if taking breast milk or iron fortified formula, you do need to establish a regular pattern of feedings and make sure that he or she is growing adequately. But establishing a pattern does NOT mean setting a rigid timetable and insisting that he eat a full 4 ounces at each feeding. Dr. Greer says your baby's feeding needs are unique. "No book can tell you precisely how much or how often he needs to be fed, or exactly how you should handle him during feedings," he says. "Most newborns feed at least every three to four hours, though many infants will feed more often that this at times." At approximately four-to-six months, you can begin adding solid foods. "Most babies are not ready for solids before this time, as they have not lost their tongue-thrust reflex at that age," Dr. Greer says. "Because of this reflex, a young infant will push his tongue against a spoon or anything else inserted into his mouth, including food." When you start solid
foods, to minimize the chances of choking, make sure your baby is sitting
up. Many doctors recommend that the first solid food should be rice cereal,
followed by oatmeal and barley. Generally, it's a good idea to introduce
wheat and mixed cereals last, because they may cause allergic reactions
in very young babies. "It's important for your baby to get used to
the process of eating, including sitting up, taking bites from a spoon,
resting between bites, and stopping when he's full," says Dr. Greer.
"This early experience will help lay the foundation for good eating
habits throughout his life." Dr. Greer also emphasizes that fruit
juice does not belong in an infant's diet before the age of six months
- so mixing cereal with fruit juice is a no-no.
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