Breastmilk or formula only for the first six
months (Breast milk is the "gold standard")
No supplements in the first few weeks of
breastfeeding
Breastmilk or formula as major beverage for first
year
No cow's milk or cow's milk products for first
year
No skim or low-fat milk for first two(2) years
(If doctor advises reduced caloric density, calorie content may be modified by
watering down whole milk or formula)
No added sweeteners. NO artificial sweeteners
No added salt.
No honey for first year (Danger of botulism)
No unpasteurized milk (also called raw milk)
No unpasteurized cider or juices
No juices until 6 months. Water down all juices
as much as possible
Solids should not be given until 6 months of age,
unless doctor feels there is a medical reason to start earlier.
Cereal should not be added to bottles
Introduce solids slowly, a single food at a time
(mixed foods are inappropriate for the first few months of solid feedings),
allowing time to detect allergic reactions before adding another food
Keep diet very simple for first few months of
solids.
Avoid early introduction of allergenic foods (a
family history of any type of allergy makes this especially important)
A minimum of 5 or 6 "feedings" per day after baby
is sleeping through the night (a "feeding" can be a meal, a nursing, or a
bottle)
Avoid desserts. NO candy. NO soda.
Offer a variety of textures and tastes, but
respect baby's preferences
Fresh "homemade" food whenever possible
(exception: never make and store spinach puree - danger of methemoglobinemia)
Whole grains, natural foods and organic products
whenever possible.
Juice only in a cup when able to drink from a cup
(i.e.: bottle becomes only a source of milk or formula)
Always hold baby when giving a bottle. Don't
allow a mobile baby to take bottle along for comfort as he/she separates from
caregivers.
Don't give baby a bottle to fall asleep with in
the crib, car seat, or stroller
Let baby be the determiner of "that's enough".
Don't force feed. You want baby to learn to listen to body cues about hunger.
Keep mealtimes relaxed and happy.
