Parenting is a tough business, but luckily we've compiled this quick little time line of age-appropriate food from the day you bring your newborn home from the hospital until she blows out the candle on her first birthday.
- Newborn to Four Months - From birth until six months, most babies are able to meet all their nutritional needs from formula or breast milk. Breastfed babes may need to nurse eight to 12 times per day, while formula fed babies typically eat six to eight times per day. It sounds like a lot because it is. Luckily as newborn stomachs grow the amount of milk or formula a growing baby takes in increases, while the frequency of feedings decreases.
- Four to Six Months - The four to six month age range is a big milestone. Baby is still consuming 28-45 ounces of breast milk or formula, but this is also the time most parents start their little one on solid foods. One to two tablespoons of an iron-fortified baby cereal is a good choice for a tot's first taste. Gradually build up the amount and then move on to other baby cereals and oatmeal.
- Six to Eight Months - Breast milk or formula should still be offered, but mama may notice that her wee one is not taking as much as solids become more and more integrated into her child's diet. Pureed fruits and vegetables can slowly be introduced — waiting at least three to five days before trying anything new to make sure baby is not allergic. If your child is not a big eater, don't be alarmed. The amounts of fruits and vegetables consumed per day will vary between two tablespoons and two cups depending on the child.
- Eight to 12 Months - At eight to 12 months many babies are slowly moving from the bottle to table foods. Generally speaking, in addition to three meals a day, a tot should be offered a bottle or the breast three times. Along with a wide variety of pureed or diced fruits, vegetables, and grains, pureed meats are generally introduced around eight months. Some mommies choose to give their little one some cooked egg yolk as well (egg whites are associated with allergies in some kids under one).
- One-Year-Old - After your tot blows out the candle on her first birthday cake, she can also transition onto whole or soymilk. Opposed to a 6-month old, a 12-month old should be getting most of her nutrition from foods and whole or soymilk. Within reason, one-year-olds can eat just about everything adults can, as long as any bits are cut small enough so she can't choke and does not have any known allergies. Also, children around this age are moving constantly so mama may need to fuel her busy tot a snack or two throughout the day to prevent meltdowns (at least those that are hunger related).
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