Infant nutrition
Infant Nutrition
Infant nutrition (pronunciation: /ˈɪnfənt njuːˈtrɪʃən/) refers to the dietary needs and feeding practices for babies during their first year of life.
Etymology
The term "infant" comes from the Latin word infans, meaning "unable to speak", while "nutrition" is derived from the Latin word nutrire, meaning "to feed" or "to nourish".
Definition
Infant nutrition involves providing a baby with the necessary nutrients for growth and development. This includes protein, vitamins, minerals, and fats, which can be obtained from breast milk, infant formula, and eventually, solid foods.
Importance
Proper infant nutrition is crucial for a baby's growth, brain development, and overall health. It can also help prevent childhood obesity and other health problems later in life.
Types of Infant Nutrition
There are three main types of infant nutrition: breastfeeding, formula feeding, and complementary feeding.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the recommended method of feeding for newborns and infants. Breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients for a baby's first six months of life and offers health benefits for both mother and baby.
Formula Feeding
Infant formula is a manufactured food designed to feed babies under 12 months of age. It is a suitable alternative for mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed.
Complementary Feeding
Complementary feeding, also known as weaning, is the process of introducing solid foods to a baby's diet while continuing breastfeeding or formula feeding. This usually begins when a baby is around six months old.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Infant nutrition
- Wikipedia's article - Infant nutrition
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