How much should a baby eat?
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The number of calories your baby needs varies according to his age and needs.His diet should include both calories and fat, as well as vitamins and minerals from healthy sources.Your baby's doctor can help you figure out what his diet should be.
Premature babies have different needs than full-term babies.They may not be able to swallow, suck or breathe on their own in order to eat and may need an IV or feeding tube.A premature baby needs 100 to 120 calories per kilogram of weight daily, but may need more.Doctors or nurses will likely weigh premies daily to make sure they are getting enough nutrition.They can get their nutrition from breast milk, formula and supplements.
According to Kids and Nutrition, babies need between 500 and 700 calories a day from birth to 3 months of age.Their only source of nutrition should be breast milk or formula.
Between 4 and 6 months of age, babies need between 500 and 700 calories a day.They can get up to 40 ounces of formula or breast milk.If babies can hold up their heads, sit with support and show an interest in food, their doctor may recommend that they start eating solid foods.They can eat up to 1 cup of infant cereals a day.Babies may be able to progress to eating 1 to 2 ounces of meat or fish daily by 6 months of age.
At 7 months of age, babies need about 900 calories a day.Their intake will be 24 to 36 ounces of breast milk or formula every day until they are 9 months old, and then will decrease to 18 to 30 ounces daily from 10 to 12 months of age.A baby needs at least 1 cup of fruit or vegetables a day, as well as 1 to 2 cups of meat or fish daily, and other soft foods such as mashed potatoes, pasta or bread.Depending on the number of teeth a baby has, the food will need to be mashed or cut into small pieces.
When feeding babies, avoid giving them small or slippery items, such as grapes, hot dogs, nuts or seeds.Babies should not have cow's milk, honey or citrus until they are 4 years old according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.