Infant Feeding

Although breast milk is the best nutritional choice for infants, breastfeeding (or exclusive breastfeeding) may not be possible for all women. For moms who can’t or choose not to nurse (or have a hard time pumping), infant formula is a good alternative on its own or in addition to breast milk. But never give infant formula or any other fluid or food unless the parents say it’s OK.

If you’re short on space, consider converting an unused corner or closet into a breastfeeding/pumping station that’s clean, private and comfortable.

All you need is:

• a relaxing chair
• a small table for her pump and bottle supplies
• an electrical outlet (for electric breast pumps)
• a privacy barrier (a door, curtain, or room divider)

Sometimes it’s a matter of “need,” since moms’ breasts often become engorged with milk when they haven’t pumped or nursed for a while — especially once they go back to work.

Just be sure to talk to nursing mothers about their babies’ schedules — when their little ones typically eat, sleep, and play during the day. If a mom would like to come in during lunch, see if you can work out a mid-day nursing schedule that doesn’t conflict with her baby’s sleep time.

Teach teachers and assistants about breast milk storage and refrigeration, and about the importance of using the breast milk that mothers bring in for their babies. Ask mothers to label bottles with their baby’s name and the date when they pumped the milk.

Make sure your staff respects the mother’s request to give only breast milk (in a bottle or by nursing). That means no formula and no cereal or baby food — not even a taste. And let her tell you when she’s ready to introduce her infant to other foods (usually around 6 months old).

When a mother pumps her milk, it becomes very important to her — and her baby. You may be tempted to pitch a bottle that doesn’t look quite
right, but know that it’s completely normal for
breast milk to:

• look slightly blue, yellow, or brown when refrigerated or frozen
• separate into a creamy-looking layer and a lighter, more milk-like layer

All of that is OK — and no reason to pour breast milk down the drain.

To eat infant foods, babies should have good head and neck control – and be able to sit up. When infants automatically push the cereal back out with their tongues that may mean their little mouths aren’t quite ready yet.

It’s usually best to begin with rice cereal (which has the least risk of an allergic reaction). Mix with breast milk or formula – and serve with an infant spoon.

Don't give cereal in a bottle (unless the baby’s doctor suggests lightly thickening formula or breast milk with rice cereal to reduce reflux). Cereal in a bottle can make babies overweight and can be difficult for them to swallow.

Stick to serving a single food every few days to a week. After success with infant cereals, gradually offer pureed baby fruits and veggies.

Look for rashes, bloating, gas, diarrhea, fussiness, or vomiting. And get medical help right away if a baby has a severe allergic reaction (like hives or trouble breathing).

Wait until 1 year old to give cow’s milk, citrus fruits or juices, honey, or eggs. And steer clear of nuts or seafood until after age 2 – longer, if there’s a family history of allergies.

When it's time to introduce soft finger foods (usually around 9 months old), avoid choking hazards like:

• chunks of meat or hard cheese
• raisins
• nuts
• popcorn
• pretzels
• raw veggies
• whole grapes or hot dogs – peel and cut grapes and hot dogs into tiny pieces

Instead, offer foods that:

• will melt in the mouth
• have been cooked long enough that they mash easily
• are naturally soft
• can be gummed

Like big kids, babies often prefer fruits and sweeter vegetables (such as carrots and sweet potatoes). But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t still be exposed to other veggies. As with youngsters at any age, babies need to experience a wide variety of foods, even if it takes a while for their tiny taste buds to accept them.

If they’ve had enough, infants may suck less, stop altogether, or turn away from the breast, bottle, or spoon. That’s OK. Never force a baby to eat. Just like us, they know when they’re full and need to stop.