Nutrition Guide: Birth+
This unique Nutrition Guide was developed from more than a decade of research, including the groundbreaking Feeding Infants and Toddler Study (FITS) conducted in 2002. It’s also the result of studying the eating habits and developmental needs of babies and toddlers and evaluating that research with nutrition and feeding experts. Unlike any other resource, the Nutrition Guide offers nutrition and feeding guidance, products, and healthy menus all tailored to your child’s development.
Print out the Nutrition Guide for easy nutritional reference specific to your child's stage of development.
Nutrition Essentials: Birth+
From birth to 12 months, breastmilk or iron-fortified formula should remain your baby’s main source of nutrition. During this stage, your baby will breastfeed on demand or need about 24 to 25 ounces of infant formula daily.
Breastmilk is best for babies. But if you choose not to breastfeed or are unable to do so, iron-fortified infant formula provides complete nutrition for your baby. Keep in mind that cow’s milk should not be introduced—or used instead of breastmilk or formula—until after your baby’s first birthday.
Common nutrition needs and gaps
As long as your baby consumes adequate amounts of breastmilk or infant formula, generally there are no nutrition concerns at this stage of development. Breastmilk and infant formula contain the right amount of protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals for healthy growth and development.
An important way to tell whether your baby is getting enough to eat is by following her hunger and fullness cues. Responding to these cues can help your baby understand her own feelings of hunger and fullness.
| I’m hungry! |
I’m full! |
| Cries or fusses |
Releases nipple or stops sucking |
| Flails her arms and legs |
Moves head away from nipple |
| Smiles and looks at you or even coos at you while you’re feeding her |
Slows down speed of sucking—may even fall asleep |
Learn more about products for this developmental stage
The Start Healthy, Stay Healthy Nutrition Guide Milestone Symbols and Benefit Band are trademarks of Société des Produits Nestlé, S.A. © 2008 Nestlé. All rights reserved.