Core Objectives
Support growth and development (especially of the brain and immune system) + prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Key Focus in Different Stages
1）0 - 3 months
1）Mainly breastfeeding
Feed 8 - 12 times a day, on demand.
Breast milk is rich in immunoglobulin (IgA), which helps to establish an immune barrier for infants.
2）Formula milk as a substitute (if breastfeeding is not possible)
Select formula milk suitable for infants aged 0 - 6 months and prepare it according to the instructions.
The daily milk intake is about 150 ml/kg body weight.
3）Vitamin D supplementation
The content of vitamin D in breast milk is relatively low. It is recommended to start supplementing with 400 IU of vitamin D per day (in drops) two weeks after birth.
Prevent rickets.
2）3 - 6 months
1）Continue breastfeeding or formula milk feeding
The daily milk intake is about 800 - 1000 ml.
2）Breastfed infants need to continue supplementing with 400 IU of vitamin D per day.
3）Introduction of complementary foods (4 - 6 months)
Iron-fortified rice flour: As the first complementary food, it can prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
Single vegetable puree or fruit puree: Such as carrot puree, pumpkin puree, and apple puree, added gradually (one at a time, and observe allergic reactions).
Protein sources: Such as cooked white meat (chicken), a small amount of tofu.
4）Feeding frequency
Breast milk or formula milk 5 - 6 times a day, and complementary foods 1 - 2 times a day (increasing gradually).
Risk Prevention and Control
1）Iron-deficiency anemia
The iron content in breast milk is relatively low. It is recommended to add iron-fortified rice flour or red meat puree to complementary foods.
2）Vitamin D deficiency
Breastfed infants need to continuously supplement with 400 IU of vitamin D per day.
3）Protein insufficiency
Ensure sufficient intake of breast milk or formula milk, and gradually add protein sources to complementary foods.
Feeding Precautions
1）Avoid introducing complementary foods too early: The digestive system of infants is not mature before 4 months.
2）Texture of complementary foods: Transition gradually from thin to thick, and from single to diverse.
3）Allergic risk: Add only one new ingredient to complementary foods each time and observe for 3 - 5 days.
Taboos
1）Honey: It is prohibited for infants under 1 year old (may contain Clostridium botulinum).
2）Salt and sugar: Do not add salt and sugar to complementary foods.
3）Allergenic stimulating foods: Such as peanuts, nuts, egg white, etc. It is recommended to introduce them after 1 year old.
4）Uncooked vegetables: Avoid nitrite poisoning (such as uncooked spinach and celery).
5）Fruit juice: It is not recommended to add fruit juice before 6 months, and the amount should also be restricted after 6 months (≤120 ml per day).
Dietary Recommendations for Mothers (for breastfeeding)
1）Balanced diet: Rich in protein (lean meat, fish, beans), calcium (milk, tofu), and iron (red meat, leafy green vegetables).
2）Water intake: Drink 2000 - 2500 ml of water per day to avoid dehydration.
4）Avoid food: Such as spicy foods, coffee (caffeine intake < 200 mg per day), and alcohol.
Summary
The period from 0 to 6 months is a crucial stage for infants' growth and development. Breast milk or formula milk is the main source of nutrition. Complementary foods need to be introduced gradually. Pay attention to the supplementation of key nutrients such as iron and vitamin D, and at the same time, avoid allergic and unsuitable foods.
