Page 34 - GreenBook

dry completely. Throw away any older bottle or nipple that is starting to

deteriorate.

4. Storage of Formula
Follow the storage instructions on the cans of formula that you are using.
Storage recommendations may differ depending on whether you are using ready
to feed, concentrated or powdered formula. If you don't use a whole can of
formula every two days (such as if you are supplementing nursing) use

powdered formula.

If you need to travel for the day powdered formula along with fresh water is the
easiest choice. Remember, heating formula by microwave may be dangerous
and is not recommended because it is difficult to achieve uniform temperature
even by shaking the bottle and testing the formula temperature.

C. SOLID FOODS
1. The First Four to Six Months of Life

We strongly recommend that you do not begin giving solid foods to your infant
until at least 4-6 months of age. Studies have concluded that introducing solid
foods too early may induce food allergies or intolerances and this problem may
be avoided simply by delaying the start of solid foods.

For the first 4-6 months, feedings should be strictly limited to nursing or formula
feedings. The baby's intake should gradually increase to about 32 ounces per
day, give or take 8 ounces. Nursing babies will feed between 5-8 times per day.
Supplemental water may be given but is rarely needed. Your infant may seem to
be getting hungry and not be as satisfied with the present volume of feeding.
This is okay and may just mean you need to increase the milk a little. Breast
milk and formula have the best and most complete nutrition your child needs.
Please call us before you start solids in an infant less than four months old.
When taking advice from friends and relatives keep in mind that there have been
changes in the recommendations for feeding infants since the last generation of

children were raised.

2. Six Months to 1 Year

Solid foods are added at this stage. Remember, you can prepare your own
foods all along the way for your baby without the high cost of purchasing baby

foods. Do not home oreoare beets, turnips, carrots or collard oreens. In some

parts of the country, these vegetables contain large amounts of nitrates, a
chemical that can cause an unusual type of anemia (low blood count) in young
infants. Baby food companies are aware of this problem and screen the produce
they buy for nitrates.

Plain cereals such as rice cereal are introduced first and are usually well
tolerated. Begin with one teaspoon at one feeding and work up to about 3
tablespoons once or twice daily over a week or two if your baby enjoys it. Start
out by making the cereal "soupy" and gradually thicken to the baby's liking.
Initially the baby will seem to push the food out with his tongue until he gets a

little more control of his mouth muscles.

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