What age is considered infant? The term infant usually refers to a baby from birth to around 1 year of age. Experts say Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies during the first 6 months, but formula can be a good alternative. Healthy full-term newborns require, on average 120 kcal/kg/day to meet their energy needs and sustain growth. On a per kilogram basis, caloric needs decrease with age. The average 1-3 year old child requires only 100 kcal/day.
Babies who need special nutrition
Babies who were born early (before 37 weeks) or at a low birth weight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces) need special nutrition to help them catch up on growth. Breast fed babies may get a fortifier added to the milk, which contain
- Extra calories
- Extra fat
- Protein
- Vitamin
- Mineral
Babies who can’t breast-feed will need a special formula made for preterm babies. These formulas are higher in calories. They also contain extra protein, vitamins, and minerals.1-month-old may be eating about 3 to 4 ounces every two to four hours a day. 2-month-olds may consume 4 to 5 ounces of breast milk or formula every three to four hours a day. 3-month-olds may consume about 4to 5 ounces of breast milk or formula every three to four hour.
Infants are usually ready to eat solid foods at about 6 months of age. Food need to be rich in energy and nutrients. In addition to grains and potatoes, be sure your baby has Vegetables and fruits, legumes and seeds, a little energy-rich oil or fat, and especially-animal foods (dairy, eggs, meat, fish and poultry). Early nutritional deficits are also linked to long-term impairment in growth and health. Malnutrition during the first 2 years of life causes stunting, leading to the adult being several centimeters shorter than his or her potential height.
Feeding your newborn: Tips for new parents.
- Stick with breast milk or formula
- Feed your newborn on cue
- Consider vitamin D supplements
- Expect variations in your newborn’s eating patterns
- Trust your instincts-and your newborn’s
- Consider each feeding a time bond with your newborn
- keep feeding consistent
Till the age of 6 months feed your newborn only breast milk or formula. You can slowly start introducing solids to your baby at this age. In addition to breast milk or formula, you can start feeding your baby pureed vegetables such as carrot, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or even fruit purees such as apple, banana, pears. Good foods to offer for infants are Fortified infant cereals, Ground meat, fish, or poultry, Strained or mashed vegetables and fruits, Sticky rice or mashed potatoes. Chicken a popular first food, chicken doesn’t disappoint nutrition-wise because it’s a healthy source of niacin for energy, selenium for healthy skin and heart tissues, and protein for growth. You can prep cooked chicken by shreddig, pureeing, or cutting it into tiny pieces.
Remember to start with foods that contain iron and offer them a few times each day. Iron supports your baby’s growth and development. Iron-rich foods include meats such as beef, lamb, game, poultry and fish. Meat alternative include eggs, tofu and legumes such as beans and lentils.