During infants first year of life good nutrition is essential for growth and development, as the body grows at a very fast rate. An infant must obtain an adequate amount of essential nutrients by consuming proper nutrition foods. Infants need large amounts of energy rich foods and protein rich foods. During the first four to six months infant is fed on breast milk, and usually breast milk supplies all nutrients needed by the baby. After six months breast milk alone is not sufficient, along with breast milk supplementary foods should be provided. The types of foods you provide for the infants must be based on locally available food stuffs and cooking methods should be simple.
Dietary guidelines for infants:
Dietary guidelines for infants:
- Avoid under and over feeding.
- Provide low salt foods.
- Encourage breast feeding.
- Provide supplementary foods along with breast feeding after 6 months.
- Serve foods rich in proteins, calcium and iron.
- Avoid low fat foods.
- Provide iron fortified cereals.
