Food provides the energy and nutrients that babies need to be healthy. For a baby, breast milk is best. It has all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Infant formulas are available for babies whose mothers are not able to or decide not to breastfeed.
Infants are usually ready to eat solid foods at about 6 months of age. Check with your health care provider for the best time for your baby to start. If you introduce one new food at a time, you will be able to identify any foods that cause allergies in your baby. Allergic reactions include a a rash, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Many parents are concerned about peanut allergies. When babies can eat foods that contain peanuts depends on their risk of food allergies:
Most babies can have peanut products when they are about 6 months of age
Babies who have mild to moderate eczema have a higher risk of food allergies. They usually can eat peanut products at about 6 months of age. If you have concerns about this, check with your baby’s health care provider.
Babies who have severe eczema or egg allergies are at high risk for peanut allergies. If your baby is at high risk, check with your baby’s health care provider. Your baby may need allergy testing. Your baby’s provider can also recommend when and how to give your baby peanut products.
There are some foods that you should avoid feeding your baby:
Before we begin: From breastfeeding to solid foods, infant and newborn nutrition provides babies with nutrients needed to grow. Read about how to identify allergies.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about infant and newborn nutrition. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
Do not give your baby honey before 1 year of age. Honey may contain bacteria that can cause botulism in babies.
Avoid cow’s milk before age 1, since it does not have all of the nutrients that babies need and babies cannot digest it
Unpasteurized drinks or foods (such as juices, milks, yogurt, or cheeses) may put your child at risk for an E. coli infection. E coli is a harmful bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea.
Certain foods that can cause choking, such as hard candy, popcorn, whole nuts, and grapes (unless they are cut into small pieces). Don’t give your child these foods before age 3.
Because it contains a lot of sugar, babies should not drink juice before age 1
Categories: Children and Teenagers, Food and Nutrition.
Source: National Institutes of Health — Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Key Takeaways
Understanding infant and newborn nutrition is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.