Q: What is DHA?
A: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid that is important for brain and eye development during baby's early and later years of growth. It is the most abundant long chain omega-3 fatty acid in the brain and the retina of the eye.
Q: Why is DHA important?
A: DHA is an important fatty acid which helps support brain and eye development during baby's early and later years of growth. DHA serves as a major structural fat in the brain, the retina of the eye and is also a key component of the heart. DHA is important for mental and visual development in infants.
Q: Where are common sources of DHA?
A: DHA is an Omega-3 fatty acid found naturally in breastmilk and fish such as tuna and salmon.
Q: My baby has allergies... what allergens are in DHA?
A: We use tuna oil in many of our baby foods as a source of DHA. The tuna oil we use is highly refined and appropriate for young babies. Highly refined tuna oil does not contain fish proteins that could cause an allergic reaction. If you have any questions about DHA and your baby, we encourage you to speak with your pediatrician.
Q: Is there such a thing as too much DHA?
A: Most babies in the U.S. have low intakes of DHA, which is a component that supports brain and eye development. As your baby moves to solid foods, you can feed him GERBER® Cereals and GERBER® Organic 1st and 2ND FOODS® puree blends that have DHA as a complement to breastmilk or formula.
Q: My doctor says that the formula I give my baby already has enough DHA in it. Why does my baby need more?
A: Mom should have ongoing conversations with her doctor about baby's diet, especially during weaning. Since typical weaning foods do not contain DHA, there is a likelihood of a reduction in dietary DHA as solid foods begin to displace formula/breastmilk as a source of nutrition in baby's diet. Thus, baby foods with DHA help to ensure that DHA continues to be readily available in baby's diet.
Q: How specifically does DHA help support healthy brain and eye development?
A: DHA is a structural component of cell membranes in the retina and the brain and accumulates rapidly in these tissues during the rapid growth spurt in the last trimester of pregnancy. DHA continues to be important for brain and eye development after birth.
Q: Why does my baby need cereals or purees with DHA when he already breastfeeds or uses formula with DHA?
A: Some experts say that baby's DHA consumption should increase proportionate to his body weight. Unfortunately, the amount of DHA your baby consumes will likely level out or decline as solid foods begin to replace some of the breastmilk or formula in his diet. Complementary sources of DHA, like GERBER® cereals and GERBER purees with DHA, are a good way to help ensure that your baby is getting this important nutrient as he grows. Start with GERBER cereals with DHA as a complement to breastmilk and/or formula when your baby is in the Supported Sitter stage. Add additional servings of GERBER® 2ND FOODS® purees with DHA when your baby reaches the Sitter stage.
Q: Does the DHA from tuna oil used in GERBER® products have any heavy metals?
A: Our tuna oil is highly refined and carefully made to keep the level of mercury very low so you can be sure it is safe for your baby.
Q: Where does the DHA in GERBER® GOOD START® formula come from?
A: Some GERBER® products use DHA from tuna oil, while the DHA used in GERBER® GOOD START® formula is from Martek oil. The DHA is surrounded with ingredients that break down in baby's tummy, but not in her mouth, so she gets all the benefits of DHA without sacrificing taste.
Q: How do I find the “use by” date on the product?
A: GERBER® products - Each product is stamped with a “use by” date in the format dd mm yy. For example, a use-by date of August 25, 2010 would be indicated as “25 AUG 10”.
Q: When should I start my baby on solid foods?
A: Around the middle of your baby’s first year, she should be ready to start solid foods. This coincides with her having reached the Supported Sitter developmental stage. To learn more about nutrition and feeding at this stage, please refer to our Nutrition Guide for Supported Sitters.
Before starting solid foods, be sure to discuss it with your pediatrician.
Q: What is the first solid food I should feed my baby?
A: Rice cereal (such as GERBER® Rice Cereal) is typically the first complementary food introduced to infants. It is made with gentle ingredients and its smooth, fine texture is developmentally appropriate for your baby’s first solid food.
Oatmeal (such as GERBER® Oatmeal Cereal) is usually the second cereal offered. Wait about 3 days in between each cereal to see how your baby tolerates them. Watch for signs of allergic responses such as diarrhea, a rash or vomiting. If any of these occur, stop feeding that variety and contact your pediatrician.
Once your baby is eating cereal, you can also try pureed baby foods like GERBER® 1ST FOODS® fruits and vegetables.
To learn more about feeding your baby at this stage of development, read our Nutrition Guide for Supported Sitters.
Q: How do I prepare cereal for my baby?
A: Your baby’s first bite of “solids” should look more like thin milk. Mix 1 tablespoon of cereal with 4 to 5 tablespoons of breastmilk or formula until it has a souplike consistency.
Q: How do I store cereal once it has been opened?
A: Store cereal in a cool, dry area away from sources of heat. It should also be kept away from products that may have strong odors or flavors. Cereal may be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Q: How long can I keep an opened container of cereal?
A: An opened container of cereal may be kept up to one month (30 days) in your kitchen cabinet.
Q: Should my baby’s diet include cereal?
A: Most pediatricians recommend starting with an iron-fortified cereal. GERBER® Infant Cereals provide an excellent source of this important nutrient and will help rebuild your baby’s naturally decreasing iron stores.
Iron is important for physical growth and mental development. It also helps prevent iron deficiency anemia and is part of hemoglobin that carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to every cell in the body.
Q: Can I feed cereal from a bottle?
A: We recommend that you do not feed cereal from a bottle, as babies can choke. Feed healthy babies only liquid from a bottle and solid foods, including cereal, with a spoon.
Q: How do I find the “use by” date on the product?
A: GERBER® products - Each product is stamped with a “use by” date in the format dd mm yy. For example, a use-by date of August 25, 2010 would be indicated as “25 AUG 10”.