North Point Pediatrics
"come grow with us"
INFANT FEEDINGS
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In regards to which type of feedings you choose, breast or bottle, we will support whatever decision you make. We do encourage, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, breast feeding your baby even if it is only for a short period of time. Usually your milk supply will become adequate between the second and sixth day after delivery. Before this your child will get his or her nourishment from colostrum. Colostrum will provide not only the calories needed but also provide important elements that will help prevent infections. Feeding your baby soon and often after delivery will help encourage your milk supply. Your baby should suckle for 15-20 minutes on the first side. Stop at this point to burp and change your baby's diaper. This will help the infant to stay awake to complete the breastfeeding session. Then let them suckle for another 15-20 minutes. With each feeding you should alternate the starting breast. Breast fed infants should be fed every 2 hours initially in the first few weeks, then every2-4 hours thereafter. They should go no longer than 4 hours at night without being fed. There are several indications that your baby is getting enough milk:
If you choose not to breast feed or when you have decided to stop, you may have a problem with engorgement of your breast. You may need to use an ace wrap or a tight fitting bra for comfort until the milk production has stopped. The application of ice packs may also be of benefit. This may take up to approximately two weeks to subside. For those women returning to work there are many commercially available breast pumps that you can use. You can pick up a list of these in our office. Of all the breast pumps the electric pumps are the quickest and easiest way of expressing your milk. Bottle Feeding:Your baby will require an infant formula for the first year of life. There are three types of infant formula: lactose, soy and elemental. We usually recommend a 20 caloric/ounce lactose (milk) formula in either a ready to feed, concentrate or powdered form. This should provide all the nutrients and calories your child will need for normal growth. You will not need to sterilize the bottles or nipples if they are washed thoroughly. Using a dishwasher is good enough. There is also no need to boil city water. Recommended bottle feedings by age are listed below:
Solid Foods and Juices:
You may start foods other than breast milk or formula when your baby weighs
twelve pounds or more and is at least four months old. Your baby's appetite
and acceptance of new foods may vary considerably and these instructions
should be used as a guide rather than hard and steadfast rules. Remember
that it is not necessary to start foods at this time and some infants can
wait until later. Introduce single ingredient foods one at a time and
continue for 5 days before introducing another food. This will help isolate
food sensitivity and prevent food allergies.
It is common practice to introduce rice cereal first, then fruits, yellow
and orange vegetables, green vegetables and finally meats. Start with rice
cereal diluted with formula or breast milk and feed up to 2-3 tablespoons
twice daily. You will gradually increase feedings to three times daily when
your infant is ready. Your infant still requires approximately 24 - 36
ounces of formula or breast milk daily. Solid foods are intended to
supplement formula, not take the place of it. Month to Month Guideline
for Feeding Amounts
Juices are also introduced one at a time. Your child never requires
juice, but it can be offered in limited quantity at 6 months of age. If
offered, no more than 4 - 6 ounces per day should be given. Encourage the
use of a sippy cup when offering juice.Apple juice or white grape juice
(diluted one-half strength with fluoridated water) may be introduced at six
months of age.
For the older infant, establish a diet plan such as the "Basic Four" for
balance and diversity: (a) Milk group, (b) Meat group, (c) Bread/ Cereal
group (d) Fruits/Vegetable group.
Mashed table foods and finger foods can be introduced at 8-9 months if there
is an adequate ability to chew and swallow. Soft foods should be introduced
first.
Please remember that the use of solid foods should bea pleasant experience
for the parent and the child. If your baby refuses solid foods, it is just
not time yet.
Honey should be avoided until after 12 months of age.
Avoid foods that can cause choking until the age of 4:
whole grapes
Vitamins and Minerals:
Fluoride: Back to Top
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