Feeding patterns and diet - babies and infants

Description

An age-appropriate diet:

  • Gives your child proper nutrition
  • Is right for your child's state of development
  • Can help prevent childhood obesity

Alternative Names

Babies and infants - feeding; Diet - age appropriate - babies and infants; Breastfeeding - babies and infants; Formula feeding - babies and infants

Recommendations

During the first 6 months of life, your baby needs only breast milk or formula for proper nutrition.

  • Your baby will digest breast milk more quickly than formula. So, if you breastfeed, your newborn may need to nurse 8 to 12 times per day, or every 2 to 3 hours.
  • Be sure you empty your breasts regularly by feeding or using a breast pump. This will prevent them from becoming overly full and achy. It will also allow you to continue producing milk.
  • If you feed your baby formula, your baby will eat about 6 to 8 times per day, or every 2 to 4 hours. Start your newborn with 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters) at every feeding and gradually increase the feedings.
  • Feed your baby when they seem hungry. Signs include smacking lips, making suckling movements, and rooting (moving their head around to find your breast).
  • Do not wait until your baby cries to feed them. This means they are very hungry.
  • Your baby should not sleep more than 4 hours at night without feeding (4 to 5 hours if you are feeding formula). It is OK to wake them up to feed them.
  • If you are breastfeeding exclusively, ask your baby's health care provider if you need to give your baby supplemental vitamin D drops.

You can tell your baby is getting enough to eat if:

  • Your baby has several wet or dirty diapers for the first few days.
  • Once your milk comes in, your baby should have at least 6 wet diapers and 3 or more dirty diapers a day.
  • You can see milk leaking or dripping while nursing.
  • Your baby starts to gain weight; about 4 to 5 days after birth.

If you are concerned your baby is not eating enough, talk with your baby's provider.

You should also know:

  • Never give honey to your infant. It may contain bacteria that can cause botulism, a rare but serious illness.
  • Do not give your baby cow's milk until age 1 year. Babies under age 1 have a difficult time digesting cow's milk.
  • Do not feed your baby any solid food until 4 to 6 months old. Your baby will not be able to digest it and may choke.
  • Never put your child to bed with a bottle. This can cause tooth decay. If your baby wants to suck, give them a pacifier.

There are several ways you can tell that your infant is ready to eat solid foods:

  • Your baby's birth weight has doubled.
  • Your baby can control their head and neck movements.
  • Your baby can sit up with some support.
  • Your baby can show you they are full by turning their head away or by not opening their mouth.
  • Your baby begins showing interest in food when others are eating.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your baby's provider if you are concerned because your baby:

  • Is not eating enough
  • Is eating too much
  • Is gaining too much or too little weight
  • Has an allergic reaction to food

References

HealthyChildren.org website. How often and how much should your baby eat? www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/How-Often-and-How-Much-Should-Your-Baby-Eat.aspx. Updated May 13, 2022. Accessed July 19, 2023.

Meek JY, Noble L. Policy statement: Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Pediatrics. 2022;150(1):e2022057988. PMID: 35921640 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35921640/.

Parks EP, Shaikhkhalil A, Sainath NN, Mitchell JA, Brownell JN, Stallings VA. Feeding healthy infants, children, and adolescents. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 56.

Review Date: 7/1/2023
Reviewed By: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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