Nutritional Needs of Babies - From Birth to 12 Months

The first year of life is extremely crucial for a baby and the parents too. A baby experiences many rapid growth stages, learns a number of new skills and reaches umpteen milestones through the first year of life. With so much going on, it is essential that the nutritional needs of babies are met properly during this period.

How Much Should Babies Eat?

During the first six months of life, a baby is exclusively on mother’s milk and this milk is an excellent source of most nutrients and antibodies for a baby. Certain nutrients such as iron may be supplemented in case the doctor advises. In some unique cases, babies may also need to be breastfed, when the mother’s health prevents her from producing milk or the baby has issues latching or drinking. In such cases, formula can be given after due consultation with the pediatrician.

Once the baby is six months old, they will need more energy and nutrients in their food which breast milk alone cannot provide. Their gut bacteria and digestive system mature and they are ready to start solids. This is a good time to introduce solids to your munchkin. But you must remember to start with simple and easy-to-digest foods. Also start low and slow and follow the 3-day rule to rule out allergies. By the time your baby turns one, you can introduce most foods to your baby so that they get used to new foods and their various nutritional needs are met too.

Top Important Nutrients Required in a Baby’s Diet

Right from vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients like omega, everything has its importance in a baby’s diet. Every nutrient has its benefits which are needed in every baby which can make them energetic and promote their healthy growth.

Below are some essential nutrients which are required in a baby’s diet. Keep reading.

1. Fluids

During the initial phase when a baby is born, the need for fluids is fulfilled with the help of breastmilk. Once your baby crosses the 6 month mark and starts solids, you can give them a few sips of water along with their meal in an open cup. Water intake will help digestion and prevent the issues of constipation in babies.

[Read : When Can I Give Water To Baby?]

2. Protein

Proteins play a major role in growth, weight gain, cell growth and multiplication and various other aspects of a baby’s growth. Proteins can be mainly obtained from milk and milk products, pulses and legumes and non-vegetarian sources of food for babies older than 6 months of age.

3. Calcium

Calcium is one of the vital nutrients for babies. Babies get calcium from their mother’s milk which is one of the best and most bioavailable sources of calcium. Babies need this nutrient for the proper formation and growth of bones and teeth. Once your baby starts solids, you can add calcium-rich foods such as yogurt/curd, whole grain and whole grain cereals, and green such as spinach, broccoli, and kale.

4. Carbohydrates

Carbs provide most of the energy that a growing baby needs. In fact, carbohydrates should comprise 40% of a baby’s diet to ensure that the baby gets all the nutrition they need. They are also essential for the proper growth and development of the baby. Remember that your baby will go through constant growth spurts and they need carbs to meet these sudden energy needs. Some of the healthy carb-rich foods you can include in your baby’s solid diet can be carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, cauliflower and broccoli.

5. Fats

Fats are one of the important sources of energy for growing babies who lead lots of it to play and reach their everyday milestones. They also play an important role in a baby’s growth, weight gain, hormone production, and protection of the nervous system tissues. Mother’s milk provides all the fats needed for breastfed babies. Once the baby starts solids, including foods such as yogurt, avocados, eggs, pumpkin seeds, almond butter etc. can meet the fat requirement. Remember to include these items at the right age and rule out possible allergies.

6. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Fatty acids such as omega 3 fatty acids are essential for a baby’s proper growth, vision, and brain development. Fish such as salmon, grass-fed meat, tofu, flaxseed, canola oil, yogurt, and DHA- enriched eggs are some of the important sources of Omega 3 fatty acids for babies.

[Read : Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Babies]

7. Iron

Breast milk is not a great source of iron for breastfed babies. Iron-fortified formula, on the other hand, can fulfil a baby’s iron requirements. Breastfed babies need iron drop supplements to ensure that they do not risk anemia. You can talk to your pediatrician about iron supplements for breastfed babies.

Once your baby is on solids, you can add age-appropriate foods such as egg yolks, wheat germ, whole grains, bread, cereals, meat, legumes, etc. Consult your doctor before adding these to your baby’s diet. You can also consider giving iron supplements if your baby isn’t eating solids properly. This can be done after consulting your baby’s doctor.

8. Vitamin A, B, C and E

Vitamins are the most crucial supplement for a baby’s growth and development. They not just promote a healthy brain but also help to develop their nerves correctly. Not just this, vitamins also ensure good vision and hence they would ensure the proper functioning of your child from top to bottom.

Good intakes which are rich in vitamins are carrots and sweet potatoes which are packed with vitamin A. Green vegetables, bananas, as well as beans, are loaded with vitamin B. Whereas, tomatoes, strawberries, and cantaloupe contain vitamin C, and grains, cereals, and other nutrients are rich in vitamin E.

How Much Should a 0-5 Month Old Baby Eat?

In the initial six months, breastmilk or formula milk would provide your baby with all the essential nutrients which are required by their body. This means that all the nutritional needs of your body are fulfilled through breast milk. In the initial days, a newborn will have to be fed every 2 hours and sleep through the day and night. As they grow, their stomach also increases, and they can have more milk in one feed. This will let them go without milk for more time. This means that you can gradually reduce the frequency of feeds and increase the quantities.

Newborns should intake at least 60 to 90 ml of breastmilk every two to three hours a day.
2 month olds should consume at least 120 to 150 ml of breastmilk every three to four hours a day.
3 month olds must consume about 120 to 150 ml of breastmilk every three to four hours.
4 month olds babies must consume at least 120 to 160 ml of breastmilk every four to five hours a day.
5 month old baby should consume at least 175 to 200 ml of breastmilk every four to five hours a day.

Remember that your baby is growing quickly and as they approach the 5 month mark, they need a lot of nutrition but are not ready for solids yet. So, there will be need for significant milk intake.

How Much Should a 6 Month Old Baby Eat?

Once the baby reaches 6 months of age, they will be introduced to solids for the first time. So, a 6 month old baby should have breast milk along with a small portion of solids. Since babies are having solids for the first time, they will eat in very small quantities. Hence, breast milk will continue to be a significant component of their diet.

A 6 month old baby food must consist of at least 4 bottle feeds a day and consume 180 to 250 ml of milk per feed and 2 to 3 small portions of solids. Each solid can be a teaspoon or two of the vegetable or fruit that you are introducing for the first time, let’s say a teaspoon or two of potato mash. As weeks and months pass by, you can increase their intake.

[Read : 6 Month Baby Food]

How Much Should a 7-9 Month Old Baby Eat?

By the time babies turn 7 months old, they start intaking solid foods which help them sleep peacefully at night. Even if you do not have to feed them at night, they sleep. This is because 7 months old babies are getting enough calories and other necessary nutrients that are required by their body.

A 7 month baby food can comprise of at least 4 breastfeeds in a day and 3 solid meals. You can continue to give 150 to 180 ml of milk depending on your baby’s solid intake. If your baby is having more solids, they may slightly reduce their milk intake which should be fine. Your baby can have 1 meal and 2 small snacks in a day.
8 month baby food should consist of 4 breastfeeds and 3 to 4 solid meals. With each milk feed, your baby should have at least 150 ml of milk. If your baby loves solids, you can increase the number or quantity of solids your baby is taking. Ideally your baby can have one main meal and two snacks and the timing is up to you.

How Much Should a 9-12 month Old Baby Eat?

Your baby is growing and eating more solids. These solid meals help them derive all the energy they need for their day to day activities.

A 9 month old baby must have 3 breast milk feeds and 4 solid meals in a day. With each feeding session, the baby can have about 120 to 150 ml of milk. You can spread their solid feeds between 2 main meals and 2 snacks.
Similarly, a 10 month old baby can have 3 breast milk feeds of about 120 to 150 ml in a day and 4 solid meals with 2 main meals and 2 snacks.
A 11 month old baby can have 3 breast milk feeds of about 100 to 120 ml in a day. You can slowly increase the solid feeds where your baby can have 2 main meals and 2 or 3 snacks.
For a 12 month old baby, you can continue the same 3 breastfeeds and 4 solid meals with 2 main meals and 2 or 3 snacks depending on your baby’s comfort levels.

FAQ’s

1. What Are the Nutritional Needs of Babies?

During the first six months, babies drink only their mother’s milk, and this fulfils most of their nutritional requirements. Once they cross six months, babies need food from all five healthy food groups for healthy growth and development such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, protein, and grain foods. However, salty food, spicy food, low-fiber foods, and caffeinated drinks must be avoided for babies.

3. How Many Calories Does a 12 Month Old Baby Need?

It is to be noted that a toddler who is just 12 months old needs at least 1000 to 1400 calories per day. These depend upon their weight, size, and physical activity.

Nutritional Needs of Babies – From Birth to 12 Months

How Much Should Babies Eat?