Every Bite Count Make
by Dr. Rebecca Butler (Lantana Resident), Board Certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics
E
very five years, the Federal civil rights law, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) releases new/ updated dietary guidelines for people of all ages. As a pediatrician, I get the most questions regarding the 12 months to two-year time frame when they are discontinuing breast milk or formula and transitioning to regular table foods.
Developmental Readiness for
As most know, you should exclusively feed infants human milk for the first six months of life. Continue to feed infants human milk through at least the first year of life and longer if desired. Feed infants ironfortified infant formula during the first year of life when human milk is unavailable. When exclusively breastfeeding, it is important to provide infants with supplemental vitamin D beginning soon after birth (By at least one month of age).
Zinc-rich complementary foods (e.g.,
infants develop the gross motor, oral, and
are important from age six months
complementary foods. As an infant’s oral
which supports growth and immune
foods can gradually be varied.
Around 4-6 months of age, we start to introduce infants to nutrient-dense complementary foods. Studies have shown that at six months, the introduction of infants to potentially allergenic foods along with other complementary foods helps to prevent food allergies.
half (54%) of U.S. infants fed human milk
Encourage infants and toddlers to consume a variety of foods from all food groups. Include foods rich in iron and zinc, particularly for infants fed human milk.
The age at which infants reach different
developmental stages will vary. Typically, between ages of four and six months,
meats, beans, zinc- fortified infant cereals)
fine motor skills necessary to begin to eat
onwards to support adequate zinc status,
skills develop, the thickness and texture of
function. Although the zinc content of
Signs that an infant is ready for
human milk is initially high and efficiently
absorbed, the concentration declines over
complementary foods include: •
Being able to control head and neck.
•
Sitting up alone or with support.
•
Bringing objects to the mouth.
have inadequate zinc intake. Prioritizing
•
Trying to grasp small objects, such as
age to complement human milk feedings
•
Swallowing food rather than pushing
the first six months of lactation and is not affected by maternal zinc intake. During
the second half of infancy, approximately
zinc-rich foods starting at six months of
will help infants meet their requirement for zinc.
Avoid foods and beverages with added sugars.
Limit foods and beverages higher in sodium.
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Beginning to Eat Solid Foods
toys or food.
it back out onto the chin.
Calorie level ranges: Energy levels are calculated based on median length and body weight reference individuals. Calorie needs vary based on many factors. The DRI Calculator for Healthcare Professionals, available at usda.gov/fnic/dri-calculator, can be used to estimate calorie needs based on age, sex, and weight. This is an excerpt of some helpful guidelines, and you can read the entire document at DietaryGuidelines.gov. Talk with your pediatrician about your child’s appropriate nutritional needs.
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