Is baby Steven gaining too much weight too quickly? Based on growth patterns and recommended weight gains for infants under one year, baby Steven is gaining weight on a perfectly normal scale. Based on reports by the CDC the average weight a baby is supposed to add in the first month is between 4-7 ounces or 112 grams to 200 grams. During breast feeding, infants who are breastfed grow differently from those gaining their nourishment from supplements and formula (Johnson, 2012). The average weight gain for a breastfeeding baby is between 0.5 kg to 1 kilogram every month if growth. The height of the baby in relation to his body weight suggests a good growth pattern. According to the world health organization the height of the baby should increase by about an inch or an average of 2.5 centimeters every month (Johnson, 2012). Is baby Steven ready for solid foods Based on the tests carried out, the results show that the infant has lost his reflex of thrusting by the tongue. This is better known as the tongue thrust reflex. This is one common sign that show baby Steven is ready for the intake of solid feeds (Johnson, 2012). The loss of this reflex means that the baby is now able to ingest liquid substances with ease. If the baby still possesses the thrust reflex of the tongue, the infant may drink in liquid substances or shove the intended food back out. The tongue thrust reflex is an essential reflex to the infant in the first four months of development (Johnson, 2012).
This reflex protects the baby from choking during the feeding process. Parents of baby Steven explained some of the changes shown by their son. One notable change is that he can now show when he is full by tilting his head from the feeding bottle or breast. This function prevents the baby from over eating and is also a sign that the baby is ready for solid food intake (Johnson, 2012). The fact that the babies are able to sit down, sit up and maintain the head in a held up position without assistance means that he is ready for solid food. The reason as to why he is ready for intake of solid food is that he has the ability to maintain a clear pathway on his throat for easy ingestion and swallowing. After the introduction of solid food, baby Steven should not have problems sleeping if so it is an indication that he is not ready for solid food. Progression of solid food from 0 to 12months Introduction of solid foods to infants is a big step that lays the basics form eating habits that are healthy (Robinson, 2007). This is a stage that can prove to be stressful for many parents. For an infant who is between the ages of 4 to six months, he should be fed with cereals and grain with fruits and vegetables. During this stage in life the baby should not be fed proteins and dairy products. Babies of this age should be fed cereals like oatmeal and avocado instead of banana (Robinson, 2007).
Between the ages of 6-8 months, proteins can be introduced into the diet of the baby. This is advisable from the age of 8 months. During this period, it is advisable to introduce cubes of tofu fingers with an addition of Cheerio dust or another variety of dust from cereal (Robinson, 2007). During the 8th month, the baby can be introduced to dairy products. At 8 months, mild cheese and plain yogurt can be fed to the baby. As many pediatricians suggest, yogurt can be mixed with the baby’s favorite puree as early as 6 months old. Between the ages of 8-12 months, pasta can be introduced into the meal for the infant. Proteins such as meat products and the yolk of an egg can be introduced by cutting them into small soft pieces. Between the ages of 0- 12 months, all feed given to the infant should be soft and mashed since the baby has not yet developed his molar teeth (Robinson, 2007). Should Stevens’ parents introduce solid food to the infant? Introduction of solid food to an infant is a stressful chore that requires a lot of care. I do not recommend the introduction of solid feed to the baby Steven (Robinson, 2007). The reason as to why it is not recommendable to introduce solid food to this child is because he is still extremely young. According to the world health organization the appropriate time to introduce solid food and other supplement is after the sixth month (Robinson, 2007).
This enables the baby to develop a superior immune system. Introduction of solid foods at this tender age can bring complications including the threat of choking. Micronutrient that is still present in the infant until the age of 6 months In infants that are exclusively breastfed from 0 months to 6 months have iron present in their systems. This is a result of the highly nutritious milk provided by the mother. This factor is why parents are urged to Brest feed their babies exclusively for at least six months. Breast milk also contains commendable levels of vitamins and other nutrients required by the infant for good growth (Leonberg & American Dietetic Association, 2008). Iron is an essential micronutrient since it takes part in many processes of metabolism. It is involved with a number of enzymes critical for various biological functions in the body. The parent of Steven should indeed supplement their baby with vitamins. Studies have shown that milk contains inadequate vitamin D even if it is the perfect nutritional substance for the baby. Supplementing milk with vitamin D reduces the chances of the infant developing bone deformations and complications (Leonberg & American Dietetic Association, 2008).
References
Johnson, S. L. (2012). A clinical handbook on child development paediatrics. Chatswood, NSW: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier Australia.
Leonberg, B. L., & American Dietetic Association. (2008). ADA pocket guide to pediatric nutrition assessment. Chicago: American Dietetic Association.
Robinson, M. (2007). Child development from birth to eight: A journey through the early years. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
