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A Practical Infant Feeding

Guidefor Healthcare Professionals

Prof Mary FlynnChief Specialist Public Health

Nutrition, FSAI.19th November 2012“Everyone wants

what’s best for baby”

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RECOMMENDATION 4“FSAI should provide

information for healthcare professionals outlining

practical guidance on best practice in infant feeding”

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The First 1,000 days - a unique opportunity to

shape healthier futures

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Nutrition and Lifestyle before Pregnancy

+50% of

Pregnanciesare

Unplanned

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Iron

Calcium

Folic Acid & Supplements

Vitamin D

Omega-3 Vitamin A

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Lifestyle Factors during Pregnancy

Caffeine intake < 200mg/day

Food Safety & Hygiene

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Breastfeeding -The best way of feeding your infantExclusive breastfeeding for the

first 6 months of life

Continue breastfeeding up to 2

years and beyond with the

introduction of suitable

complementary foods.

Mothers should be educated and supported to

breastfeed their infant for as long as

possible.

Breast milk should be the soledrink for infants

up to 6 months of age

It is recommended that all infants from birth to 12 months, whether breastfed or formula fed, be given a daily supplement

of 5 μg (200 IU) of vitamin D

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Mothers should receive guidance!• Preparing to express milk • Methods of expressing

• Hand• Hand pump• Electric pump

• Storage & Feeding expressed milk

Expressing Breast Milk

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Formula FeedingBreastfeeding is the best and biologically normal

way of feeding an infant

Formula milk does not contain certain health promoting components which breast milk

naturally contains

Where breastfeeding is contraindicated, or an informed choice not to breastfeed has been made a suitable infant formula is required

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Factors that must be

considered when formula

feeding

Choosing the right milk

Choosing the correct equipment

Washing & Sterilising

Using the right waterPreparing the

feed correctly

Storing, transporting

& Feeding

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Weaning

Transitioning from milk-only to a mixed diet with foods of different tastes and textures.

TIMING IS KEY!

Solid food should be introduced at about 6 months of age

not too early and not too late

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Weaning is a process

S t a g e 1From ~ 6 months (not

before 17 weeks)First foods are thin

purées and increase in thickness

•Gluten-free cereal•Puréed vegetables•Puréed fruits•Meat, poultry and fish purées

S t a g e 26-9 months

Move on to thicker purées and mashed foods with

soft finger foods

•Gradual introduction of gluten-containing foods•Pieces of soft cheese•Yoghurt•Suitable finger foods

S t a g e 39-12 months

Move on to minced or chopped family foods and

a wider range of finger foods

Family meals with baby-friendly modifications (no

salts, sauces, gravies etc.)

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What foods are important during weaning?

Iron

Energy

Protein

Omega-3

Vitamin D

Fat

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What should be avoided during weaning

High fibre

High salt

High sugar

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How to introduce gluten?

Infants should be introduced to gluten at about 6 months of age Week 1

One portion of gluten-containing

foods every 3 days

The gradual introduction of small amounts of gluten are associated with less risk (7g or less)

Appropriate amounts of gluten-containing foods:½ weetabix biscuit1 one rusk30 g gluten containing baby rice½ slice of white sliced pan8g cooked pasta1 small slice of wholemeal bread

Week 4

Gluten-containing foods can be given to the

infant every day on more then one

occasion

Week 2

One portion of gluten-containing

foods every 2 days

Week 3

One portion of gluten-containing foods every day

Gluten should be introduced at about

6 months of age

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Homemade weaning foods• Fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry,

fish and pulses are all suitable at each stage of weaning

• Foods can be liquidised, puréed or mashed to the appropriate texture for the infant

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Fluids during the first year of life

∼ 6 months of age

12 months of age

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Measuring an Infant’s Growth

New UK-WHO Growth Charts

Feeding method & growth patterns

When & How to measure growth ?

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Caring for an infant’s teeth

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THANK YOU!

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