Feeding My Infant

Although feeding an infant can feel like a round-the-clock commitment, it is also a time to begin bonding with them and building a long-lasting, trusting relationship. Infants only need breastmilk or formula, and they usually let you know when they are hungry. Often, you may notice babies moving their hands to their mouth to signal they are hungry.

As infants continue to grow, the type of food and the intake of nutrition will need to change. It is easy to map when these changes and milestones should occur by referencing the different feeding stages. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available such as WIC (Women, Infants and Children) that provides nutritional food assistance and monthly healthy food packages.

0-6 months: Breastmilk or formula and nothing else! Infants only need breastmilk or formula unless your pediatrician says something different. The fat in breastmilk and formula helps your baby’s brain to grow. Babies do NOT need water during this time.
4-6 months: Are we ready for the next step? Some infants show signs of being ready to start purees. Talk to your doctor about when your baby will be ready. When ready, introduce one “single-ingredient” food at a time, then wait a few days before starting the next “single-ingredient” food.
7-9 months: Start thinking about texture: Avoid food sizes and textures that your baby could choke on like whole grapes, hot dogs, or whole nuts. Foods should be soft, small enough to avoid choking, and easy to swallow.
10-12months: Mealtime is fun time!: Encourage your child to try new foods with their hands. It helps them develop their senses. Continue giving breast milk or formula until your child reaches 12 months of age.