Nurse Oliver is teaching a mother who plans to discontinue breast-feeding after 5 months. The nurse should advise her to include which foods in her infant’s diet?
A. Whole milk and baby food
B. Iron-rich formula only
C. Skim milk and baby food
D. Iron-rich formula and baby food
Correct Answer: B. Iron-rich formula only
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants at age 5 months receive iron-rich formula and that they shouldn’t receive solid food – even baby food – until age 6 months. All children need iron. It is important at all stages of a child’s development. Babies fed only breast milk, only formula, or a mix of breast milk and formula have different needs when it comes to iron.
Option A: The Academy doesn’t recommend whole milk until age 12 months. Once the infant is past one-year-old, they may be given whole cow’s milk or reduced-fat (2%) milk, provided they have a balanced diet of solid foods (cereals, vegetables, fruits, and meats). But limit his intake of milk to 2 cups (about 16 ounces) per day or less.
Option C: Skim milk is only appropriate until after age 2 years. Babies and toddlers need fat in their diets for a variety of reasons, including healthy brain development. So it’s usually recommended that kids 1 to 2 years old drink whole milk. Then, if their growth is steady, it’s safe to switch to low-fat or nonfat (skim) milk.
Option D: A child can start eating solid foods at about 6 months old. First foods that need to be introduced should be soft and easy to swallow such as mashed vegetables or porridge. Make sure to choose foods that contain iron. Iron found in foods comes in two forms: heme and nonheme iron.