An infant needs about 40-50 calories per pound of body weight per day. How often an infant wants to eat will also change over time due to growth spurts, which typically occur at about two weeks and six weeks of age, and again at about three months and six months of age.
Some of the nutrients babies need to grow and stay healthy include:
- Calcium: Helps build strong bones and health
- Fat: Creates energy, helps the brain develop, keeps skin and hair healthy, and protects against infections.
- Folate: Helps cells divide
- Iron: Builds blood cells, and helps the brain develop. Breast-fed babies should receive iron supplements.
- Protein and Carbohydrates: They provide energy and fuel growth.
- Zinc: Helps the cell grow and repair themselves
Your baby also needs vitamins such as: Vitamin A, keeps skin, hair, vision, and the immune system healthy. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Helps the body turn food into energy. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) Helps the body turn food into energy, and protects cells from damage. Vitamin B2 (niacin). Helps the body turn food into energy and use fats and protein. Vitamin B6. Keeps the brain and immune system healthy. Vitamin B12. Keeps nerve and blood cells healthy, and makes DNA–the genetic material in every cell. Vitamin C. Protects against infections, builds bone and muscles, and help wounds heal. Vitamin D. Helps the body absorb calcium from food, and keeps bones and teeth healthy. Breast-fed babies may need a D supplement. Vitamin E. Protects cells from damage, and strengthens the immune system. Vitamin K. Helps the blood to clot.
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 contains: Extra calories, Extra fat, Protein, Vitamins, Minerals. 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.
What to Avoid
One thing you don’t want to give your baby during the first 12 months is whole cow’s milk. It doesn’t have enough iron, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids for your baby. Also, it contains too much protein, sodium, and potassium for your child’s body to absorb and can cause harm. Wait to introduce cow’s milk until your baby is 1 year old.
You also don’t want to give your baby soy milk or homemade formula. These substitutes may not have the balance of nutrition baby needs right now.