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Is Juice "OK" for Infants?
Dear Anai,
I have an 11 day old baby girl and I need to know if this baby formula is
sitting well with her. This is our first baby and we are nervous about
everything. How do I know bottle feeding is ok for my daughter? I know she can
only drink liquids at this point, what about juices? Thank you!
Thank you,
Susan
Dear Susan,
Although she will need mainly liquids during the first 4 months of her
life, she is not prepared for juice just yet. Her gastrointestinal system has
not yet matured to the point where it can handle anything but breast milk and
formula. Giving her anything but milk would cause diarrhea.
Just as we eat a variety of foods, your baby will need to drink different
formulas. If she is happy with the brand you have chosen for her, stick with it.
Otherwise consider a different brand until she feels satisfied with it. A good
way of knowing if she does not likes it is when she tries to turn away or tries
to spit it up. Also, if she develops a rash or has bouts of diarrhea, call your
doctor in case an allergy has surfaced.
Make sure that when you are feeding her that she is in a somewhat upright
position, since laying her flat on her back is not safe while feeding. Sit her
up after about 1 to 2 ounces of milk before attempting to burp her. This will
allow the air in her belly to settle enough for the burping. Do this often to
avoid spitting up later on.
It is difficult at first to decipher what she is trying to say since the
communication is so limited at this time, but you will soon know what she wants.
The most important thing is to observe her behaviour in case something serious
is happening.
© Copyright 2004 Anai Rhoads.
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