Good nutrition on infants is vital

Good nutrition within the beginning years of infants is vital, breastmilk is a great source of nutrition to infants for those who can provide.

Breastmilk includes all the important vitimans and mineral. The minerals, fats, and vitamins that can be found in breastmilk can be: Lactoferrin, Secretory IgA, Lysozyme, Bifidus factor, these are the proteins that are included. Some vitamins are, A, D,C, E, as well as K. Formula is a healthy alternative for breastmilk for infants. Formula also provides that nutrients like breastmilk does. Although with formula, infants can be exposed to possible contamination issues or more infections, such as respiratory infections and meningitis whereas breastfed babies can be safer against allergies, SIDS, and others issues. As the American Pregnancy Association states , ” There is nothing better for the health of your baby…” (American Pregnancy Association. What’s in Breast Milk, americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/first-year-of-life/whats-in-breastmilk. Accessed 4 Mar. 2022.)

Your babies are growing and getting bigger as the weeks and months go on. Things to avoid before they turn one years old are, cow’s milk due to the babies digestive system cannot handle it like 1+ year old’s can. Another one to watch out for babies is honey! You do not give infants honey before they turn 1 years old it can cause botulism. This happens because of a foodborne issue from the bacteria that has a toxin, and this can harm your infant! You want to always be cautious of the foods you give to your babies due to the choking hazards such as nuts, full grapes (cut them up into halves when they are ready to eat bigger foods).  Also be aware of what types of juices you give to them as well.

There are many signs to watch for that an infant may show you there is something wrong. Babies have different cries and if you are a mom or if someday will be a mom you will know your babies different cries. Signs such as crying, suckling towards your shirt, suckling at a pacifier or their hands aggressively, and just the simple “difference in their cry”, these signs may be showing you they are hungry.  An aggressive cry could mean they are in pain from an injury. If they are stiff from head to toe, this could mean they have a tummy ache. If it’s a “normal cry” it could mean they need their diaper changed, a bottle, a pacifier, they are too hot or too cold, or they simply want to snuggle.