The science of infant nutrition and the art of infant feeding

Using the recommendations of the Committe on Nutrition of the American Academy of Pediatrics for infant formulas as a scientific base, practical guidelines for feeding infants are given. Breast feeding or the use of a prepared formula meets these recommendations while evaporated milk, fresh cow's milk, and skimmed milk, despite widespread use for many years, do not. The feeding of strained foods and infants cereals should be begun when the infant has reached the stage of development appropriate for feeding from a spoon and swallowing nonliquid foods, usually between 3 and 6 months of age. Lifelong eating patterns begin during this period. Adjusting caloric intake to needs and learning to enjoy a variety of foods are major objectives of feeding practices.