Q: What are prebiotics? And how does my baby get them?
A: Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients
that stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria in the
digestive system—where 70% of your baby's immune system is located.
These beneficial bacteria fight off bad bacteria, which contribute to
the health of your baby's body, especially since it enables him to develop
his own defenses. Emerging science suggests prebiotics may support your
baby's developing immune system. Prebiotics are found in breast milk, and
infant formula like Enfamil PREMIUM® Infant's dual prebiotic
blend.
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Q: What's fat got to do with my baby's brain development?
A: Believe it or not, your baby's brain is more
than 60% fat. The polyunsaturated fats from the foods you eat provide
your body with fatty acids like DHA and ARA, which help support your baby's
brain development during pregnancy and his first year of life. While a
daily value for DHA has not been established, panels of experts in lipid
nutrition have recommended 200-300 mg/day for pregnant and nursing
women.
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More About Fat
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Q: How are premature babies' nutritional needs different?
A: Premature babies are usually born with low birth
weight. While in the hospital, they also tend to have more digestive problems
than full-term babies, and often need to eat more frequently. Usually,
doctors will recommend a commercially prepared breast milk fortifier to
give your baby the extra protein, vitamins, calcium and other nutrients
she needs at this early stage.
If you can't pump or breastfeed, or choose not to, you can feel confident
about the specially designed formulas available for premature infants.
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Q: What are some DHA benefits?
A: DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid. It's very
important that your growing baby has enough DHA to help support his brain
and eye development and immune system both in the womb and out. Pregnant
and breastfeeding moms should be getting 1.3-1.4 g of omega-3 fatty
acids like DHA and ARA per day to support your baby's needs.
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More About DHA
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Q: My baby spits up a lot when she eats. I'm worried she's
not getting enough nutrition.
A: Spitting up a little bit is perfectly natural.
Some babies do it when they've eaten too much, or after they burp.
If your baby spits up frequently, you may want to ask your doctor about
a special, pre-thickened formula that has been proven to reduce spit
up.
»Learn
About Formulas for Babies Who Spit Up
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Q: My baby keeps grabbing food off my plate. Is she ready for solids?
A: Her eyes may be ready for solid foods, but her
system is another story. Until about four to six months, most babies can
only handle breast milk or formula. At around this time, your baby's
chewing and swallowing abilities may be ready for some iron-fortified
baby rice cereal. Until then, keep your dinner out of arm's reach.
»Learn
About Baby's First Solids
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Q: What exactly is a whole protein?
A: Whole proteins are proteins that aren't broken
down yet. Breast milk has whole whey and casein proteins in it. So do most
formulas. If you are formula-feeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends starting with a standard cow's milk-based formula.
If your baby has tolerance issues, she may benefit from a formula with
decreased lactose and partially broken-down proteins, or extensively
broken-down proteins.
»Learn
About the Protein Story
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Q: When my baby starts solids, how much should I give her?
A: For the first four to six months, breast milk
or formula will give your baby all the calories and nutrients she'll
need. When her digestive system and chewing abilities seem up for the challenge,
check with your baby's doctor about giving her some rice cereal. A
few spoonfuls at first, then a couple of tablespoons several times a day.
It's generally best to introduce one new food at a time about one week
apart, to watch for allergic reactions.
»Learn
About Baby's First Solids
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Q: Is it true that babies aren't supposed to have honey?
A: Yes, babies should not have honey until their
first birthday. Honey can cause botulism, a serious type of food poisoning.
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More 1st Year Feeding No-no's
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Q: Why don't babies drink cow's milk?
A: No type of cow's milk has the right nutrient
levels for infants. Mainly, it's too low in iron and vitamin C, and
too high in protein, sodium, potassium and chloride for your baby's
developing kidneys.
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More 1st Year Feeding No-no's
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Q: What do babies need iron for?
A: Iron is an important nutrient, no matter how old
you are. Iron is an essential part of hemoglobin, which is the primary
transporter of oxygen in the red blood cell. Iron is important for psychomotor
and mental development in infants and children.
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More About Iron
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Q: My three-year-old son drinks 2% milk. Why does my
six-month-old baby need so much more fat?
A: Brain-cell development is slowing down by
around age 2, so your son doesn't need nearly the brain food that your
baby does. Breast milk and formula provide many nutrients your baby needs
for brain development, like DHA and ARA.
»Learn
About Fat and Brain Development
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Q: Does my baby need vitamin supplements?
A: Babies generally get all the nutrition they need
with formula. If your baby is breastfed, the American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends giving her a vitamin D supplement, as breast milk typically
has very low levels of this nutrient. What's more, infants don't
get sun exposure like adults do, to produce vitamin D naturally. Your breastfed
baby may also need an iron supplement, if your baby is born premature,
or with low birth weight, or has low iron stores at birth.
As your baby becomes a toddler (and a picky eater), you may want
to ask your doctor about vitamin supplements to be sure she's getting
all the nutrition she needs.
»Learn
About Vitamin Supplements
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