Newborn Nutrition: What Should You Feed Your Baby?

Feeding a newborn can be an exciting yet challenging task. It is the first nutrition decision a parent makes for their child. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for babies for the first six months. After starting solid foods, breastfeeding should continue for the first year of life and beyond, if desired. However, breastfeeding may not be possible or preferable for all mothers. In such cases, bottle feeding with infant formula is a nutritious alternative. The decision to breastfeed or bottle-feed depends on the mother's comfort level, lifestyle, and health condition. It is essential to consult a pediatrician or a lactation consultant for tailored advice.

Breastfeeding vs. formula

Breast milk and formula are the two main options for feeding a newborn. Both have their own advantages and limitations, and the decision to breastfeed or formula feed is usually based on the mother's comfort level, lifestyle, and health. Here is a detailed comparison of breastfeeding and formula feeding:

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers several benefits for both the baby and the mother. Breast milk is perfectly suited for a newborn's digestive system and provides the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. It also helps protect babies from infections and lowers their risk of developing medical problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, and allergies. Additionally, breastfeeding can enhance the emotional connection between the mother and the baby. It is also convenient, as it requires no preparation, and cost-effective, as there is no need to purchase formula.

However, breastfeeding demands a significant commitment from the mother. Newborns tend to feed more frequently when breastfed, as breast milk is easily digested. This can be tiring for the mother, especially in the early weeks. Breastfeeding may also limit the mother's freedom and make it challenging to know exactly how much the baby is consuming. Additionally, some mothers may have health conditions or be taking medications that affect their ability to breastfeed.

Formula Feeding

Formula feeding offers more flexibility and freedom for mothers, as it allows other caregivers to feed the baby as well. It can also be easier to know how much the baby is consuming with formula feeding. Formula-fed babies tend to feed less frequently, as formula is digested more slowly. However, formula feeding requires more organisation and preparation, especially when taking the baby out. It can also be quite expensive, and it is important to carefully follow the directions on the label when preparing formula.

Both breastfeeding and formula feeding have their advantages and limitations, and the decision should be based on what is best for the mother and the baby. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a paediatrician or lactation consultant, to determine the most suitable feeding method for your child's unique needs.

How much to feed a newborn

Newborns have tiny stomachs and should be fed whenever they seem hungry. This is called on-demand feeding. In the first few days of life, newborns eat very frequently, around every two to three hours. This means they will feed eight to twelve times in 24 hours.

In the first week, newborns will only take in up to half an ounce of colostrum (early breast milk) at each feeding. Over the next few days, they will take in 1 to 2 ounces at each feeding. A couple of weeks after birth, once your mature breast milk comes in, babies will likely take in 2 to 3 ounces at each feeding, working their way up to 4 to 5 ounces by the time they are two months old.

As a baby grows, their stomach grows too, and they will be able to drink more at each feed and for longer stretches. By the time they are two months old, they will likely feed every three to four hours. By the time they are six months old, they will feed every four to five hours.

Formula-fed babies tend to have more regular feeding schedules than breastfed babies. In their first week of life, newborns should eat roughly 1 to 2 ounces per feed, building up to 3 to 4 ounces by the time they are one month old. You can expect to add about an ounce per month until the baby is eating 6 to 8 ounces of formula at a time, which usually happens around six months of age. In general, 32 ounces of formula a day is the most a baby will ever need.

It's important to keep in mind that all babies are unique and have different feeding preferences. Some may like to feed more often and take in less milk, while others may feed less frequently but take in more milk.

Hunger cues

Newborns are typically fed on demand, or at least every 2-3 hours, and they eat often. You should expect to feed them 8-12 times per day. Crying is usually the last cue that your baby is hungry. Learning your baby's hunger cues can be very helpful to avoid a fussy baby and make feeding easier.

Common hunger cues include:

• Sucking on hands, fingers, clothing, or fists
• Smacking or licking lips
• Opening and closing their mouth
• Sticking out their tongue
• Puckering their lips as if to suck
• Nuzzling against the mother's breast
• Moving their head from side to side
• Fidgeting or squirming around a lot
• Becoming more alert and active
• Hitting you on the arm or chest repeatedly
• Fussiness or fast breathing

Babies will also give you signs to let you know when they are full. It's important to let your baby nurse until they're full and then stop feeding them. Some signs that your baby is full include:

• Baby releases or "falls off" your breast
• Baby turns away from your nipple
• Baby relaxes their body and opens their fists

Solid foods

When you do start to introduce solid foods, it's important to start slowly and with infant oatmeal mixed with breast milk or formula. This will help ease your baby into the experience of eating solid foods. Once they are comfortable with this, you can move on to stage one foods, which are pureed, single-ingredient foods such as avocados, peas, squash, bananas, or apples. It is recommended that you give the same food every day for about three days to ensure your baby doesn't have a reaction such as diarrhoea, a rash, or vomiting. It is also generally recommended that you start with vegetables first and then introduce fruits, as the latter can be sweeter.

After your baby has mastered stage one foods, you can move on to stage two foods, which are two-ingredient foods. You can also start introducing finger foods that are a bit chunkier, like small pieces of fruit and veggies, and small shreds of meat. It is important to avoid choking hazards such as grapes (unless quartered), hot dogs, nuts, raw vegetables, fruit chunks, and popcorn.

As your baby grows, you can continue to introduce them to a variety of solid foods, including mashed or soft-cooked vegetables, fruits cut into soft cubes or strips, finger foods, protein-rich foods, and iron-fortified cereal and other grains. It's important to remember that every baby is different and may take to solid foods at their own pace. Some babies may take up to 10-12 tries before getting used to a new food, so don't be discouraged if your baby is initially hesitant.

Allergies and intolerances

Symptoms of Allergies and Intolerances

Symptoms of allergies and intolerances in newborns can vary, but some common indicators include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Skin reactions such as rashes, hives, or itchy bumps
• Respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness
• Runny nose
• Watery, itchy eyes

Diagnosing Allergies and Intolerances

If you suspect your baby is displaying symptoms of an allergy or intolerance, it is important to seek medical advice. A doctor may perform an allergy test or refer you to a paediatric allergist for further assessment. Some common allergy tests include:

• Skin tests: A tiny amount of a specific allergen is placed under the skin using a needle, and the site is observed for a reaction.
• Blood tests: While not as sensitive as skin tests, blood tests may be useful for younger babies or if a skin test is not suitable.
• Elimination diet: For suspected food allergies, a doctor may advise removing potential allergens from the baby's diet one at a time to identify the trigger.

Managing Allergies and Intolerances

The primary treatment for a baby's allergy is to identify and eliminate exposure to the allergen. This may involve dietary changes for the baby or, in the case of breastfeeding, for the mother. In some cases, medications such as antihistamines may be used to minimise allergic reactions, but these should only be given under medical supervision.

Preventing Allergic Reactions

While it is not possible to prevent all allergies, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of allergic reactions:

• Introduce new foods slowly and one at a time, especially common allergens like eggs, dairy, wheat, nuts, and peanuts.
• If your baby has an allergy, continue to offer the food in small amounts to help them develop a tolerance.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you do not need to avoid common allergens unless you are allergic to them yourself.
• If your baby has a cow's milk allergy, special formulas are available, and your healthcare provider can advise on the most suitable option.
• For babies at high risk of developing allergies or asthma, reducing exposure to dust mites early in life may help prevent future allergic problems.

When to Seek Help

If you notice any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction in your baby, it is important to seek medical advice. Mild symptoms that come and go may not require immediate attention, but it is important to take note of potential triggers and monitor for any worsening of symptoms. In the case of severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Frequently asked questions