Diet should provides adequate nutrition and should suitable for a child's growing age.

FROM BIRTH TO 4 MONTHS OF AGE

From birth to 4 months of age breast milk is only ideal diet for infant.

AS NO INFANT FORMULA CAN  MATCH NUTRIENTS OF BREAST MILK.

Breastfeeding, a newborn may need to nurse 8 to 12 times per day (every 2 to 4 hours),

or when infant demands not on set schedule.

By four months, the baby is likely to cut back to four to six times per day, however, the

quantity of breast milk consumed at each feeding will increase.

If there are some circumstances when breast milk is not available due to some

complication infant formula is advised.

 Formula-fed babies need it about 6-8 times per day, starting with 2-5 ounces of

formula per feeding .

 As with breastfeeding, the number of feedings will decrease as the baby gets older, but

the amount of formula will increase to approximately 6-8 ounces per feeding.

Some infant may sleep through the night, waking to feed may be necessary if the infant

is not eating enough during the day or if  they are underweight.

AGE OF  4 TO 6 MONTHS

At 4 to 6 months of age an infant  is often ready to start another food than milk.

Start solid feedings with iron-fortified baby rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula

to a thin consistency.

The cereal may be mixed to a thicker consistency as the baby learns to control it in his

mouth.

The quantity of each feed should be increased as the number decreases.

As baby tolerates one food another type of food like clear vegetable soup, or boiled dal

made to puree can be given. Variety in choice of foods is important.

AGE OF 6 TO 8 MONTHS

Continue to offer breast milk or formula three to five times per day.

The consumption of formula or breast milk will be decrease amount by baby as solid

foods become a source of nutrition for him.

Give babies different fruit juices and strained fruits and vegetables.

Start to give mashed  vegetables such as green peas, potatoes, carrots, sweet

potatoes, , beans, beets; and plain fruits such as bananas,  apricots, pears, peaches,

and melon.

Give fruits and vegetables in 2-3 tablespoon servings and offer about four servings per

day.

Amounts of fruits and vegetables consumed per day will vary between 2 tablespoons and

2 cups depending on the Child

Child should be encouraged to try new flavors.

Food should be only slightly seasoned

The consistency of foods offered may be gradually increased as  child tolerates.

AGE OF 8 TO 12 MONTHS

Breast milk or formula should be offered three to four times per day at this age.

At this age as a baby may have few teeth it is easy to introduce  strained or finely

chopped meals.

For breastfed infants, give iron rich food as breast feeding may lack in iron require for

baby.

As with other foods, offer only one new meal per week in 3-4 tablespoon servings

Serving sizes for fruits and vegetables increases to 3-4 tablespoons, four times per day.

Eggs may be given three to four times per week, but only the yolk until the baby is 1

year old, as some babies are sensitive to egg whites.
 

AGE OF 1 YR

After a baby is 1-year old, whole milk  may replace breast milk or formula. .

Cheese, cottage cheese, and yogurt should be given in small amounts.

1-year old child should be getting much of their nutrition from meats, fruits and

vegetables, breads and grains, and the dairy group.

 A variety of foods will help to ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals to baby

as well as baby  gets different tastes.

Do not push child to eat any specific food which he does not like after offering many

times or if child vomits after eating particular food

Dos':

Offer only one new food at a time. Offer the new foods for a few days

Use a small spoon to feed the baby

Food should be given in small serving.

Don'ts:

Baby should not be given bottle in night time as it may cause tooth decay.

sweets, Salt, and strong spices ,caffeine products, aerated drinks should  not given to

babies.

Avoid foods that may cause the baby to choke  for example popcorn, nuts, potato chips, whole kernel corn.

OLDER CHILDREN

It is important that the diet include a variety of foods for proper development  of

growing children.

A diet that contains a variety of foods from each of the food groups (breads and

meats, fruits and vegetables, and dairy) will prevent nutrient deficiencies & keep child

healthy.

The nutrients like calcium, iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folic acid, and Vitamin B-6.

should be in daily diet of child otherwise deficiency symptoms develop.

Children who consume little or no dairy products are at particular risk for calcium

deficiency that can interact with bone growth and development. Foods that are good

sources of calcium include  milk, yogurt, and cheeses. Other foods such as broccoli,

cooked greens, will also provide a source of calcium in the diet.

 Food sources of iron include meat, fish, poultry, iron-fortified cereals, spinach greens,

and dried beans and peas.