244 Part Three Infants
depend on whether the baby is fed
breast milk or formula. Parents
should also consult their baby’s
doctor about what age he or she
recommends for weaning.
Weaning from the Breast
The American Academy of
Pediatrics recommends mothers
breast-feed their babies for at least
12 months. Mothers may nurse
longer, however. Often the baby is
completely weaned from the breast
by 18 to 24 months.
Age at weaning will determine
which fl uid is offered. If weaned
before one year of age, babies
should receive iron-fortifi ed infant
formula for the remainder of the
fi rst year. Babies weaned after one
year should be offered whole cow’s
milk. Children between one and
two years of age should drink only
whole milk rather than milk with
reduced quantities of fat. Formulas
designed for toddlers are not better
for children than cow’s milk after
age one year.
Whether the baby is weaned
to a bottle or directly to a cup
will also depend on age. Babies
who are weaned before they are
skilled enough to use a cup will
be weaned from the breast to the
bottle. Older babies can be weaned
directly to a cup.
Advantages of Baby Food Methods
Commercially Prepared
Food is easy to buy and use. In fact, commercially prepared foods were fi rst introduced
as “convenience foods.”
The food may be more economical than homemade food if the cost of ingredients, gas
or electricity, and time used to prepare the food are considered.
Many foods are available in all four seasons. (Some fruits and vegetables may not be
available year-round for preparing homemade foods.)
Foods can be bought with the right texture for the baby’s age.
Foods are sterile until opened.
Unopened foods can be stored without refrigeration for a long time before they lose quality.
Foods, except dry cereals, are packaged in small amounts for one or two servings.
Possibly harmful additives have been removed or reduced.
Homemade
Possibly harmful additives are not used.
Food is usually less expensive to prepare.
Food can be prepared while making foods for other family members.
No special appliances are needed to prepare baby food.
Making your own food saves storage space required for baby food products.
If the baby has allergies, it may be necessary to prepare special food.
Recipe books are available with many tasty recipes.
A creative cook is not limited to commercially prepared foods.
Making food brings a sense of satisfaction to those who like to cook.
11-5
Commercially prepared and homemade baby foods both have many
advantages. Parents choose the method that best meets their family’s needs.