0-1 Yrs: Feeding Your Baby
 What
do parents need to know about a infant's nutritional needs? What's the
best diet for your baby?
Babies start their lives on milk, breast or formula.
By the end of their first year, you hope they'll be eating the same meals
as the rest of the family. In between there's a slushy stage called weaning.
Milk
is a whole food
Breast milk or formula milk is designed as a complete food. It contains
everything your baby needs for at least the first 6 months of her life.
Between 6 months and a year your baby will continue to take about a pint
of milk a day as well as eating 'solids'. Continue with breast-feeding
or use formula milk up to a year old. From 1 year old, a child can drink
cow's milk.
'Weaning'
means 'trying'
Current fashion in the UK is to start weaning to solid foods between 4-6
months. Until 6 months, babies will get all they need from milk.
The word weaning is derived from a word meaning 'trying'. Your baby is
trying out all sorts of different tastes and textures, in preparation
for eating solid foods. Offer one food at a time so she can really taste
it. Also, if she reacts against it, you'll know which food to avoid.
Aim
for a healthy, balanced diet
You should be aiming for a healthy, balanced diet for your baby (and all
your family). This means low salt, high complex carbohydrates, low sugar
and low saturated fats. Don't let your baby get hooked on a sugary diet.
Healthy eating habits start young.
Babies'
appetites vary
Don't be shocked by the mound of food your baby can plough through once
she's established on solids. All babies differ in their appetites, and
there's no set rule on quantities to feed. When your baby is full, she'll
refuse to eat any more. Avoid offering 'one more mouthful'. She knows
when she's had enough, so help her keep in touch with her natural appetite.
Foods
to avoid
Until your baby's 6 months old, avoid giving her wheat-based cereals
or protein foods such as chicken, fish, pulses, egg yolks and cheese.
Honey, cow's milk (as a drink) and egg white should be avoided for the
first year. Don't cut out any food group completely without consulting
your doctor or health visitor.
Remember to water the baby
As your baby's solid intake increases,
she'll need extra drinks as well as her milk. Water is the best drink.
Babies can get hooked on sweet fruit juices, which are harmful to their
developing teeth.
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